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Intermediate Technical IVT

burn wound excision

Surgical removal of burned tissue to prepare the wound bed for closure or grafting.

Full Definition

Burn wound excision is the surgical procedure of removing necrotic, nonviable burned tissue from a wound to create a clean, well-vascularized bed suitable for healing or reconstruction. This procedure may be performed as early excision (within 72 hours) or delayed excision, depending on the burn characteristics and patient condition. Excision can be tangential (sequential removal of thin layers until viable tissue is reached) or fascial (excision down to the fascial plane). Proper excision is essential for preventing infection and optimizing graft success.

Usage

Usage note: Specify type of excision (tangential vs. fascial) and timing (early vs. delayed) in documentation.

In Context

  • "Early burn wound excision was performed to remove all nonviable tissue." — Operative report
  • "The excision extended to healthy bleeding tissue before graft placement." — Surgical procedure note

Also known as

burn debridement eschar excision

Contrasted with

conservative management

Don't confuse with

debridement escharotomy

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