Treatment of full thickness skin burns by early tangential excision. (A series of 34 patients)

On a series of 34 cases with full thickness burns E.T.E. (early tangential excision) was performed using a modified Humby's skin graft knife. Since E.T.E. is performed before any infection ensues sepsis is prevented and grafting can be successful. By this method the operation period is shortened and bleeding is minimal. The cosmetic appearance after grafting is excellent since the scar is smooth and free of irregularities. Since the post operative period is also shortened patients recover more quickly. Thus, the economic problems are less and the patient can return to work sooner. The joints regain their functions earlier; therefore, treatment of hand burns by this method is more successful. Scar tissue after E.T.E. is not as hypertrophic as it is in cases treated with the classical method. Only one of the cases died of pulmonary emboli on the 13th day after excision due to complicating thrombophlebitis.