[Repair of high-voltage electrical burn in the neck].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore methods of repair of high-voltage electrical burn in the neck. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with high-voltage electrical burn in neck hospitalized since 1985 were enrolled in this study. After debridement, the wounds were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, trapezius myocutaneous flap, platysma myocutaneous flaps, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. RESULTS: Necrosis occurred at edge of flap (about 1 - 2 cm in breadth) in 3 patients, and the other flaps survived well with perfect appearance and local function. CONCLUSION: To repair with pedicled myocutaneous flaps and combined flaps after early debridement can be safe, effective and reliable in the management of patients with high-voltage electrical burn in the neck.