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Fasciotomy

Surgical Procedure

Fasciotomy, or fasciectomy, is a surgical procedure in which the fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure and treat the resulting loss of circulation to an area of tissue or muscle. It is a limb-saving procedure used to treat acute compartment syndrome and is sometimes also used for chronic compartment stress syndrome, with a very high rate of success whose most common complication is accidental damage to a nearby nerve.

Facts
Classification
Status
Standard of Care 1
FAQs

Why is the wound often left open after a fasciotomy?

It is usually left open so that pressure cannot build up again.

The wound is usually left open after surgery to stop the pressure from building up again. It might be closed with stitches some days later, or it can be left to heal by itself. A surgeon may also decide to place a skin graft over it, but a graft is not suitable for everyone. The wound can take about 4 to 6 weeks to heal, sometimes longer.
Connections

Treats

Fasciotomy is the standard emergency surgical treatment for compartment syndrome.

Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Fasciotomy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasciotomy, lead section
Quote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasciotomy, lead section
Fasciotomy or fasciectomy is a surgical procedure where a fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure in order to treat the resulting loss of circulation to an area of tissue or muscle.
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