Publication:

Early excision and grafting versus delayed grafting in deep burns of the hand

Background Deep burns of the hand are considered severe, because even a small wound may cause profound functional disability, ugly scar and psychosocial problems. The aim of the study is to compare early excision and grafting versus delayed grafting in deep burns of the hand.

Methods This study was conducted on 30 patients with deep burns of the hand. Patients were randomly divided in to two equal groups. Group I included 15 patients who were subjected to early excision and grafting within the first week after injury while group II included 15 patients who were subjected to delayed excision and grafting two weeks after injury. The study was conducted on patients presented to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of Abou Qir General Hospital in the period from December 2016 to December 2017.

Results The results of early excision and grafting were better than delayed grafting regarding the intake, infection and post-burn contraction (mean 91.33±7.67 in group I and 83.67±10.08 in group II with p value=0.026).

Conclusions Early excision and grafting of the hand is a better alternative than delayed excision and grafting as regards better graft intake, less wound infection, less contractures, less risk of regrafting, less hospital stay, less 5D-itching scale and Vancouver score and more cost effectiveness.