A Comparative Study of Early Excision and Grafting Versus Delayed Grafting in Patients with Deep Dermal Burns

Abstract

Background: Deep dermal burns frequently necessitate surgical intervention to ensure prompt wound closure and minimize consequences. The ideal timing for excision and grafting is still a subject of controversy, especially in resource-constrained environments.

Objective: AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome in patients managed with early excision and auto-grafting versus delayed auto-grafting.

Methods: This prospective observational study comprised 20 patients with deep dermal burns, categorized into two groups: early excision and grafting (within 7 days of damage, n = 10) and delayed grafting (after 7 days, n = 10). The evaluated outcomes were graft take percentage, length of hospital stay, incidence of wound infection, and duration till full wound healing.

Results: The early excision cohort demonstrated a superior mean graft take (92% vs 78%), reduced hospital duration (14.3 ± 2.1 vs 21.6 ± 3.4 days), diminished infection rate (10% vs 40%), and expedited wound healing (18.2 ± 2.5 vs 27.4 ± 4.1 days) relative to the delayed grafting cohort.

Conclusion: Timely excision and grafting in deep dermal burns correlate with enhanced graft viability, diminished infection rates, abbreviated hospital stays, and expedited wound healing relative to postponed grafting.

Keywords: Deep dermal burns, early excision, delayed grafting, skin graft, burn management