Retrospective Study from a Single Center on the Efficacy of Pulsed Lavage Following Excision of Burns ≥30% of the Total Body Surface Area in 63 Patients

BACKGROUND Ensuring the take rate of skin grafting and reducing the mortality of patients with severe burns have remained big challenges worldwide. This retrospective study from a single center aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pulsed lavage following excision of burns ≥30% of the total body surface area (TBSA) in 63 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Among 63 patients, the types of burns sustained were severe burns and extremely severe burns (≥30% TBSA). The degrees of the burns were second degree and third degree, and the causes were thermal, chemical, and electric. Patients with early aggressive excision were divided into a pulsed lavage group and control group. The constituent of the lavage fluid was 0.9% physiological saline. The evaluation of wound healing and complications was based on the wound healing rate and time, clinical symptoms, and examination. We determined the take rate of skin grafting, positive rate of postoperative bacterial cultures, changes in perioperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels, and incidence of secondary grafting. RESULTS The take rate of skin grafting and the decreased rates of perioperative serum CRP and PCT levels were significantly higher in the pulsed lavage group than in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the positive rate of wound postoperative bacterial cultures and mortality in the pulsed lavage group showed remarkably lower levels (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Pulsed lavage following excision of burns ≥30% TBSA increased the take rate of skin grafting, alleviated the positive rate of postoperative bacterial cultures, decreased serum CRP and PCT levels, and reduced mortality.