To stop excessive plasma loss, alleviate noxious effects of devitalize
d tissues on the body and shorten the hospitalization time, rye perfor
med extensive escharectomy during the shock period in extensively burn
ed patients. Group A consisted of 21 patients aged 9-45 years (26.1+/-
7.9 years), with a mean total burn area of 63.2%+/-18.1% TBSA, and ful
l-thickness injury involving 35.9%+/-19.6% TBSA, The first escharectom
y was done at 24.1+/-13.9 hours postburn, and excision area averaged 3
2.3%+/-6.7% TBSA (24%-46%), In 15 of them, Swan-Ganz catheter was intr
oduced to monitor the hemodynamic changes. It was found that RAP, PAP,
PAWP, ABP, IIR, CO and CI were all stable during and after the operat
ion. Group B consisted of 29 patients aged 11-50 years (30.4+/-11.7 ye
ars), in whom escharectomy was begun 4-5 days postburn. The mean heali
ng time of the patients in group A was 33.1 days, shorter than that of
group B patients (40.1 days). The duration of hemoconcentration was s
horter in group A, The amount of blood transfusion was almost 700 ml l
ess in group A during the first two weeks. Less antibiotics were used
with fewer visceral complications in group A, We believe that escharec
tomy during the burn shock stage is feasible.