What procedure should be performed to reduce swelling in circumferential burns?

In cases of circumferential burns, escharotomy is the procedure that should be performed to reduce swelling. Circumferential burns can constrict the underlying tissues as swelling occurs, leading to a condition known as compartment syndrome. This is where increased pressure within a closed space compromises blood flow and can lead to severe tissue damage.

Escharotomy involves making incisions through the burn eschar, which is the hardened tissue that forms as burns heal. By cutting through this layer, it helps relieve pressure, allowing for increased blood flow and reducing the risk of complications associated with reduced circulation. This procedure is critical because it directly addresses the issues caused by the rigidity of eschar and the pressure from swelling.

Other options do have specific uses in burn care, but they do not effectively address the immediate concern of swelling associated with circumferential burns in the same manner as escharotomy. For example, burn dressings aim to protect the burn area and prevent infection but do not alleviate pressure. Debridement is a technique that involves the removal of dead or damaged tissue and is typically performed later in the healing process. Fasciotomy is a procedure aimed at relieving pressure in cases of compartment syndrome but is typically used in more traumatic injuries rather than burns specifically.