Epidemiology and acute management of high tension electrical burns in a rural-based medical college

Introduction. Electrical burns are one of the most common causes of burns besides flame burns and scalds. High tension electrical burns lead to greater morbidity and mortality. Active management strategies are required to manage high tension electrical burns. Common epidemiological features and surgical management of wounds are described. Role of high ligation in high tension electrical burns has been described.

Purpose. To describe the epidemiology, main features of the presentation and acute management of high tension electrical burns.

Materials and methods. This study was done for the duration of 2 months. All patients who were admitted with high tension electrical burns were included in the study. Patients’ demographics, mode of injury, % age of burn areas involved, entry-exit wounds were recorded on the day of admission. Emergency fasciotomy was done in cases of impending gangrenous changes inlimbs to prevent compartment syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. Reconstructive surgeries were done depending on thelocation and depth of burns. Results. 64% patients were below 30 years. The majority of the patients who sustained electric burns were males (82.3%). All the patients were from low and middle socioeconomic status according to the modified kuppuswamy scale. The majority of patients sustained electric contact burns (55.8%). The majority of the patients were unskilled workers working in the fields (94.2%). Surgical treatment of all patients includes fasciotomies in 15 patients, debridement/ amputation in 32 patients, reconstructive surgeries in 42 patients.

Conclusion. High tension electrical burns are one of the most common causes of burns, especially in rural areas. Public awareness and compliance with safety standards as well as respect for the potentially deleterious effects of electricity are of utmost essential for avoiding these deadly injuries. 

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