Evisceration due to full thickness injury to the abdominal wall, with intestinal involvement, plus trauma to the chest wall, extremities and genitals due to high voltage electrical burn; case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Electrical burns are one of the most drastic traumas to which an individual can be exposed; being able to directly or indirectly compromise almost all tissues of the human body. They cause more than 3 000 admissions to specialized burn units in the United States. Up to 40 % of serious electrical injuries are fatal, resulting in approximately 1000 deaths per year.Its incidence depends on the type of exposure to electricity: low voltage, due to contact with electrical cables or plugs. High voltage, due to occupational exposures and power lines while climbing trees or poles. These voltages are more likely to cause injuries to deep tissues and internal organs compared to low voltage injuries and also the degree of body surface area burned.Its approach constitutes a challenge, since the risks of visceral involvement are added to the morbidity and mortality inherent to the burn. Early treatment of intra-abdominal complications allows a more conservative approach, reducing ostomies and their associated comorbidity. It is preferable to manage the abdominal defect by preserving the tissues themselves and restoring the midline. In our case, it was feasible to perform a primary closure of the abdominal wall. Your treatment will depend on factors such as: the amount of tissue lost, intra-abdominal contamination, general condition, and factors such as: physical resources and experience of the hospital. Mortality from burns ranges between 3 and 55 %, those with the highest risk of death are those at extreme ages, higher degrees of burns, injuries associated with inhalation, and injuries in patients with comorbidities