What is the difference between escharotomy and debridement?

Surgical escharotomy is traumatic, may cause considerable blood loss, does nothing toward debridement of the burn wound, and entails possible morbidity and complications. Debridase is a Bromelain derived enzymatic preparation capable of lysing the burn eschar within 4 hours, obviating the need for surgical debridement.

Why is fasciotomy used for burns?

Escharotomies are usually performed in patients with circumferential third degree burns of the extremities or anterior trunk. Fasciotomies are recommended for patients who sustained high voltage (or associated crush) injuries, with entrance or exit wounds in one or more extremities.

When would you use an escharotomy?

Escharotomy is indicated when the circulation is compromised due to increased pressure in the burned limb and cannot be relieved by simple elevation. 8 It is recommended that the procedure is performed before the pulses are absent.

Is escharotomy skin grafting?

Abstract. Escharotomy incisions must be made in the inelastic skin eschar that is typical of circumferential third-degree burns. Later, the necrotic tissue must be debrided and substituted with a skin graft.

What does an escharotomy prevent?

Generally, an escharotomy is done as a one-time procedure to prevent damage from a burn-induced limb-threatening or life-threatening eschar.

What are the three types of burns?

Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severely they penetrate the skin’s surface.

First-degree (superficial) burns. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin.
Second-degree (partial thickness) burns.
Third-degree (full thickness) burns.

How is escharotomy done?

Escharotomy is surgical incision through the eschar to release the constriction, thereby restoring distal circulation and allowing for adequate ventilation. Escharotomy is usually done within the first 2 to 6 hours of a burn injury.