Acute Burn Care | Journal CME Article-Journal CME Article: Acute Burn Care Article 04/24

Journal CME Article: Acute Burn Care Article 04/24

Pdf Summary

The document is an academic article on the integration of plastic surgery and burn care, exploring the historical and modern aspects of these closely related fields, which have developed significantly from their common origins in the world wars. Pioneers like Sir Harold Gillies and others advanced acute burn care, and today, plastic surgeons play a crucial role in the management of burn patients globally. While in the United States, burn care responsibilities are shared with general surgeons, there is a shortage of burn surgeons worldwide, sparking opportunities for academic plastic surgery programs to attract trainees.<br /><br />The incidence of burn injuries remains high, with half a million cases annually in the United States, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and older adults. Despite a globally decreasing incidence and mortality rate attributed to prevention and treatment advancements, disparities based on social and economic development continue.<br /><br />The article outlines the complex pathophysiology of burn injuries, highlighting that local injuries cause coagulative necrosis of tissues, while extensive burns lead to systemic changes affecting all organ systems. Burn management requires accurate wound assessment to determine treatment, illustrated by the difficulty experienced even by seasoned surgeons.<br /><br />Initial burn management involves structured approaches similar to trauma care, emphasizing airway maintenance, fluid resuscitation, and potential surgery for complications like compartment syndrome. The article also explores inhalation injuries from smoke, requiring proactive airway management and specific ventilation strategies. Additionally, it discusses various wound care products and techniques to enhance healing and manage deeper burns requiring surgical excision and skin grafting, with a focus on blood conservation and effective postoperative care.<br /><br />The document stresses the importance of plastic surgeons in a multidisciplinary burn care approach, the challenges of wound care, and considerations in complex thigh burns and dermatology. These observations highlight the evolving techniques and innovations enhancing reconstructive surgery in burn care, reducing future reconstructive needs.<br /><br />Overall, this article underscores the integral role of plastic surgeons in developing and advancing techniques within burn care and the ongoing need for strategic workforce development in this specialty.

Keywords

plastic surgery

burn care

Harold Gillies

burn injuries

wound management

trauma care

inhalation injuries

skin grafting

multidisciplinary approach

reconstructive surgery