escharotomy
Pronunciation: es-kar-AH-toh-mee
Surgical incision through burned tissue (eschar) to relieve constriction and restore circulation or ventilation.
Full Definition
An emergency surgical procedure involving incision through thick, inelastic burned tissue (eschar) that can constrict underlying structures. Escharotomy is performed to relieve compartment syndrome in circumferential burns of extremities or to improve chest wall compliance in circumferential truncal burns that impair ventilation. The procedure involves making full-thickness incisions through the eschar down to viable tissue, typically along the mid-axial lines of extremities or along the anterior axillary lines for chest escharotomy. It is often performed at the bedside without anesthesia due to destruction of nerve endings in full-thickness burns.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from fasciotomy, which cuts deeper fascial layers.
In Context
- "Emergency escharotomy was performed to restore circulation to the burned extremity." — Burn surgery documentation
- "Chest escharotomy improved ventilation in the patient with circumferential truncal burns." — Critical care procedure note