OBJECTIVETo explore new methods for the management of extensive deep partial thickness burn wounds.

METHODSFifty burn patients with extensive deep partial thickness burn wounds were randomly divided into two groups: A and B groups. The patients in A group (n = 30) were treated with dermabrasion while those in B (n = 25) with conventional tangential excision. The first operation time in A and B groups was 12.3 +/- 10.7 hours and 47.2 +/- 11.5 hours, respectively. The patients' urine output, heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were monitored.

RESULTSThe mean one setting operation area in A and B groups were (65.5 +/- 19.4)% and (64.8 +/- 18.7)%, respectively. All the indices remained stable in both groups during and after the operation. Nevertheless, the burn wound healing time (20 days averagely) in A group was 10 days shorter than that in B group. The incidences of internal organ injury and bacteremia in A group were much lower than those in B group. Furthermore, the hospitalization cost in A group was decreased compared with that in B group. And the scar after wound healing was much less obvious in A group than that in B group.

CONCLUSIONDermabrasion during early postburn shock stage for the management of deep partial thickness burn wound had many advantages such as: easy manipulation, less injury to patients, lower infection rate, less complications and quicker burn wound healing.