The histology of early necrectomy

The healing of deep dermal burns after tangential excision and full-thickness burns after total excision was examined. The study was carried out in laboratory pigs. The results were compared with results obtained in unexcised burns. It appears that early excision of thermally damaged skin, even if the ensuing defect is left without further treatment, shortens considerably the process of healing both in tangentially excised deep dermal burns and excised full-thickness burns. (In full-thickness burns, the percentage of scar contraction during the process of healing is demonstrated and compared with scar contraction in unexcised full-thickness burns and in mechanical wounds.)