Intermediate
Technical
IVT
burn excision
Surgical removal of burned tissue to prepare wound bed for grafting.
Full Definition
The surgical procedure of removing necrotic or severely damaged burn tissue to create a viable wound bed suitable for skin grafting or other reconstruction. Early excision, typically performed within 72 hours of injury, has become standard practice for deep burns as it reduces infection risk, shortens hospital stay, and improves outcomes. The procedure may be performed using electrocautery, dermatome, or other surgical instruments depending on burn depth and location.
Usage
Usage note: Broader term than 'tangential excision'; may include full-thickness excision to fascia.
In Context
- "Early burn excision was performed within 48 hours of admission to optimize graft take." — operative report
- "The patient underwent burn excision of the left lower extremity with immediate autograft placement." — procedure note
Also known as
burn debridement
excision and grafting
Don't confuse with
debridement
tangential excision