While repairing the electrical system, the patient was suddenly electrocuted. His colleagues immediately took him to the emergency room with a black burning right hand, consciousness, stable blood pressure but mental panic.
At the Emergency Department, doctors noted that her right hand had signs of sores but no arrhythmia or stopped circulation. However, electrical burns can cause serious tissue damage even if the skin's surface is not damaged much. The patient was classified as high-risk and transferred to the Plastic Department for in-depth monitoring.
According to Dr. Duong Manh Chien, plastic surgeon, after examination and testing, the patient's muscle enzymes increased slightly, showing signs of muscle necrosis but were not dangerous. This is a positive signal, as the patient promptly withdraws his arms, minimizing deep tissue damage. However, muscle necrosis and infection can quietly develop after a few days.
The patient is currently being closely monitored for biochemical, electrocardiological and urine levels. The patient is being treated with IV and antibiotics to prevent infection. If the necrosis is obvious, the doctor will intervene and perform timely surgery.
Electric burns are completely different from heat burns. Thermal burns cause external skin damage, and electric burns destroyed from the inside of the body, causing muscle damage, tendon, blood vessels and bones. The current may cause a sudden cardiac arrest due to an impact on the heart transmission system. Electrical burns are very complicated and have many serious risks such as acute renal failure, burn shock, blood infection and necrosis.
Currently, the patient is fortunate to not need tissue culture surgery. His hand is recovering well thanks to internal medicine treatment and continues to monitor motor function for optimal recovery.
Dr. Duong Manh Chien emphasized: "Early treatment and close monitoring of tissue necrosis are decisive factors for survival. When detecting signs of necrosis, the doctor needs to immediately intervene to remove dead tissue to prevent serious infection."
The doctor also warned: just one second of dryness while working with electricity can leave long-term consequences. An electrical short circuit can cause harm from within, so when suspected of electrical burns, even if the skin wound is mild, the patient needs to be taken immediately to a specialized medical facility for timely monitoring and treatment.
