Proposed Treatment Protocol for Frostbite: A Retrospective Analysis of 17 Cases Based on a 3-Year Single-Institution Experience.
10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.510
- Author:
Eun Kyung WOO
1
;
Jong Wook LEE
;
Gi Yeun HUR
;
Jang Hyu KOH
;
Dong Kook SEO
;
Jai Ku CHOI
;
Young Chul JANG
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jwlps@hallym.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Frostbite;
Therapy;
Operative surgical procedure
- MeSH:
Clinical Protocols;
Cold Temperature;
Debridement;
Female;
Foot;
Frostbite;
Hand;
Humans;
Male;
Patient Education as Topic;
Retrospective Studies;
Skin Transplantation;
Surgical Procedures, Operative
- From:Archives of Plastic Surgery
2013;40(5):510-516
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: This paper discusses the treatment protocol for patients with frostbite. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of 17 patients with second- and higher-degree frostbite who had been treated at our medical institution between 2010 and 2012. RESULTS: Our clinical series of patients (n=17) included 13 men and four women, whose mean age was 42.4+/-11.6 years (range, 22-67 years). The sites of injury include the foot in six patients (35.3%), the hand in six patients (35.3%) and the facial region in five patients (29.4%). Seven patients with second-degree frostbite were completely cured with only conservative treatment during a mean period of 12.7+/-3.3 days (range, 8-16 days). Of the five patients with third-degree frostbite, two underwent skin grafting following debridement, and the remaining three achieved a complete cure with conservative treatment during a mean period of 35+/-4.3 days (range, 29-39 days). Five patients with fourth-degree frostbite were treated with surgical procedures including amputation. CONCLUSIONS: With the appropriate conservative management in the early stage of onset, surgeons should decide on surgery after waiting for a sufficient period of time until the demarcation of the wound. Continuous management of patients is also needed to achieve functional recovery after a complete cure has been achieved. This should also be accompanied by patient education for the avoidance of re-exposure to cold environments.
