inadequate management of post-operative surgical wounds can lead to delayed healing rates and complications, notably infection. Surgical site infections (SSI) have been shown to extend hospital stay by an average of 14 days.  OPSITE POST-OP VISIBLE (Smith & Nephew) is a surgical film dressing that  provides a waterproof, breathable, bacteria barrier for surgical wounds and allows exudate management. The visible nature of the dressing means that the wound area can be monitored without removal of the dressing.  OBJECTIVES: to compare the costs and outcomes associated with the use of a surgical film dressing compared to standard treatment in the management of post-operative surgical wounds. METHODS: An economic evaluation was conducted alongside an open controlled trial conducted in 14 centres throughout Spain which compared a surgical film dressing to the standard treatment with gauze dressings in the management of surgical wounds;  196 patients  treated with gauze and 215 with a surgical film dressing.  RESULTS: SSI rates were significantly lower in patients treated with surgical film dressing compared to gauze dressings (6,6% vs. 1.4%, p=0,006).  Patients treated with the surgical film dressing  experienced fewer blisters (8,7% vs. 2,3%,  p=0,004), erythemas (12,2% vs. 2,8%, p<0,001)  and weekly  dressing changes (4,81 +/- 2,79 vs. 1,51 +/0,87, p<0,001). CONCLUSIONS: The cost of a SSI in Spain is according with evidence published  €7,966 (2010 prices). The results produce a reduction in the average cost of treating SSI of €438 per patient when treated with the surgical film dressing.  The incremental cost of treatment with the surgical film dressing  during the post-operative period is