[Surgical treatment of high-voltage electrical injuries].

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: High-voltage burns represent a challenging surgical entity. Compared to conventional burns, these injuries are characterized by an increased morbidity and worse potential for rehabilitation. The aim of the present study was to analyse the management of high-voltage injuries during the early posttraumatic period with special emphasis on the surgical procedures.

PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of patients with electrical injuries treated from 1995 - 2007. A total of 61 patients (57 men, 4 females, mean age: 34 +/- 13 years) with high-voltage burns was included for analysis.

RESULTS

The majority of high-voltage burns was work-related (75 %). The mean total burn area was 35 % of the total body surface, with a mean of 29 % deep burns. An average of 4.8 +/- 4 operations were performed per patient (range: 1 - 23 operations). Surgical procedures included repeated debridement/necrectomy (100 % of all patients), early escharotomy/fasciotomy (47.5 %), and amputations (18 %). 14 patients (23 %) underwent reconstructive surgery using either local or free flaps. The mortality rate was 15 %.

CONCLUSION

The surgical management of high-voltage burns is characterised by repetitive debridements and necrectomies. Despite an aggressive approach to remove necrotic tissue, the mortality in this type of injury is considerably high. Limb salvage may be achieved with the use of free microvascular flaps. However, an amputation of necrotic extremities must be considered in the copresence of septic complications.