An escharotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat full-thickness, or third-degree, circumferential burns, in which both the epidermis and dermis, along with sensory nerves in the dermis, are destroyed, leaving a tough leathery tissue called eschar. As the underlying tissues rehydrate after such a burn, they become constricted by the eschar loss of elasticity, impairing circulation distal to the wound, and an escharotomy can be performed either as a prophylactic measure or to release pressure, restore circulation and combat burn-induced compartment syndrome.
Facts
FAQs
How is an escharotomy different from a fasciotomy?
An escharotomy releases burned skin only and does not breach the deep fascial layer; a fasciotomy goes deeper.
An escharotomy cuts only through the rigid burned tissue called eschar, which can tighten around a limb or the torso after a circumferential full-thickness burn and compromise circulation or chest movement. A fasciotomy goes deeper. According to StatPearls, an escharotomy does not breach the deep fascial layer and is aimed specifically at relieving the constrictive effects of eschar formation.
Does an escharotomy need general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is typically not required; it can be done at the bedside.
Usually not. StatPearls describes escharotomy as a relatively simple procedure in terms of instrumentation that can be performed safely at the bedside with experienced personnel. General anesthesia is typically not required, although conscious sedation may be necessary depending on the patient's condition and the circumstances of the procedure.
Connections
Treats
Source Escharotomy (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Escharotomy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escharotomy, lead section
An escharotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat full-thickness (third-degree) circumferential burns.
- Treats: Burn, intro para 1
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