Hydrocolloid Dressings versus Early Necrectomy in Treatment of Deep Dermal Burns of the Hand

Abstract

Introduction: In treatment of deep dermal hand burns we contend with problem that early necrectomy and plasty as well as delayed necrectomy and plasty give only good or satisfactory results of hand function and appearance. That is why we are looking for better method of hand burns treatment. Methods: In this study, we compared function of the hand and appearance of 57 patients treated in KMUH during 2 years period. Twenty-eight of them treated using hydrocolloid dressings and 29 with early necrectomy and plasty. Results: Comparing these two methods we did not found statistically significant difference in hospital stay. Range of motions and the strength was better in hydrocolloid dressings group. But this difference was not statistically significant. The appearance was statistically significant better in hydrocolloid dressings group. Conclusions: Function of the hand and appearance of the hand sustained deep dermal hand burns were better in hydrocolloid group. Statistically significant difference was only comparing appearance. We are going to extend this study and hope that treatment using hydrocolloid dressings will give better functional and aesthetical results.