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Updated: Sep 14, 2025
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Published on: February 23, 2024
Timing of excisional debridement and its effects on outcomes in geriatric burn patients: A retrospective analysis
Riddhi Mehta1, Kartik Prabhakaran1, Anna Jose1
1Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Introduction:
Optimal timing for excisional debridement in geriatric burns remains unclear. We hypothesized that early debridement (ED: ≤72 h) is associated with improved outcomes.
Methods:
A 6-year (2017-2022) analysis of the TQIP database was done to isolate geriatric (≥65 years) burn patients (2nd or 3rd degree with TBSA ≥10 %) undergoing excisional debridement. Propensity score matching (1:1) adjusted for demographics, injury severity, and frailty. Outcomes were mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition.
Results:
After matching 882 patients, ED (n = 294) was associated with lower rates of sepsis (2.4 % vs. 7.1 %) and deep vein thrombosis (2.0 % vs. 6.1 %) (p < 0.05). There was no difference in mortality. ED had shorter hospital (12 vs. 23 days, p < 0.001) and ICU LOS (9 vs. 16 days, p < 0.001). ED had higher routine discharge (25.9 % vs. 16.3 %, p = 0.039).
Conclusion:
Early excisional debridement within 72 h is associated with reduced complications and shorter hospitalization in geriatric burn patients.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III retrospective study.
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