Escharotomy

Escharotomy

Circumferential full-thickness burns to the limbs and torso require emergency surgery . The burn has a tourniquet-like e ff ect compromising respiration (torso) and peripheral circu lation (limbs). The tourniquet e ff ect of this injury is treated by incising the whole length of full-thickness burns ( Table 46.3 For the chest this comprises two longitudinal and two hor izontal incisions. Perfor mance of chest escharotomy should show evidence of immediate improvement of respiration and, if intubated, the ventilation pressures. F or the limbs the escharotomy incision is performed in the midaxial line, avoid ing major nerves ( Figure 46.7 ). An escharotomy can cause sig nificant blood loss; therefore consider use of cutting diathermy and have appropriate dressings and blood available. Escharotomy

Circumferential full-thickness burns to the limbs and torso require emergency surgery . The burn has a tourniquet-like e ff ect compromising respiration (torso) and peripheral circu lation (limbs). The tourniquet e ff ect of this injury is treated by incising the whole length of full-thickness burns ( Table 46.3 For the chest this comprises two longitudinal and two hor izontal incisions. Perfor mance of chest escharotomy should show evidence of immediate improvement of respiration and, if intubated, the ventilation pressures. F or the limbs the escharotomy incision is performed in the midaxial line, avoid ing major nerves ( Figure 46.7 ). An escharotomy can cause sig nificant blood loss; therefore consider use of cutting diathermy and have appropriate dressings and blood available. Escharotomy

Circumferential full-thickness burns to the limbs and torso require emergency surgery . The burn has a tourniquet-like e ff ect compromising respiration (torso) and peripheral circu lation (limbs). The tourniquet e ff ect of this injury is treated by incising the whole length of full-thickness burns ( Table 46.3 For the chest this comprises two longitudinal and two hor izontal incisions. Perfor mance of chest escharotomy should show evidence of immediate improvement of respiration and, if intubated, the ventilation pressures. F or the limbs the escharotomy incision is performed in the midaxial line, avoid ing major nerves ( Figure 46.7 ). An escharotomy can cause sig nificant blood loss; therefore consider use of cutting diathermy and have appropriate dressings and blood available.