Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
escharotomy
Pronunciation: es-kar-OT-oh-mee
Surgical incision through burned tissue to relieve constriction and restore circulation.
Full Definition
A surgical procedure involving incision through eschar (burned tissue) to relieve compartment syndrome or circulatory compromise. The procedure is performed to prevent tissue death from constricted blood flow in circumferential burns. Escharotomy is distinct from fasciotomy, which involves deeper incisions through fascia.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with fasciotomy, which involves deeper tissue layers.
In Context
- "The surgeon performed an emergency escharotomy to restore circulation to the patient's arm." — surgical report
- "Circumferential burns of the chest may require escharotomy to prevent respiratory compromise." — clinical guidelines
Also known as
eschar incision
Don't confuse with
fasciotomy
debridement