Early Excision And Grafting Versus Conservative Treatment In The Management Of Major Burns: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT

Background: 1 Full thickness burns lose their eschar in 2-6 weeks through bacterial collagenase production and daily mechanical debridement . The practice of leaving these dead tissues only serves as a nidus for infection that can lead to the patient's death. Hence the standard procedure is surgical removal of eschar with grafting techniques. Methods:Atotal of 50 patients divided in 25 patients in each group were included first group was managed conservatively and second underwent th early excision and grafting within 5 day upto 10% TBSA. Results: Early excision and grafting patients required significantly (p=0.04) more blood transfusions than conservatively managed patients. The mean hospital stay was significantly (p=0.05) lower by 10 days in early excision and grafting than conservatively managed. Conclusion: Early Excision and Grafting group was found to have significantly shorter hospital stay with decresed painful debridement but required more blood transfusions than conservatively managed patients