NYMC Faculty Publications

Timing of Excisional Debridement and Its Effects on Outcomes in Geriatric Burn Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116528

Journal Title

American Journal of Surgery

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-1-2025

Department

Surgery

Keywords

Burns, Excisional debridement, Frailty, Geriatric, Outcomes research

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

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.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS