Surgical Management of Thermal Injury: Narrative Review

Abstract

Extensive burn care advanced over the past few decades to the point where burn victims can now often live. The goal of treating a severely burned patient nowadays is to help them return to their communities, families, and places of employment as fully participating members of society, rather than only preserving their life and ability to function. Burns are a common and difficult critical care issue. Specialized hospitals prioritize achieving optimal functional recovery, infection prevention, and patient stabilization. Over the past few decades, researches on burns have attracted a lot of attention. A number of significant discoveries have improved patient stability and reduced mortality, particularly in the case of younger patients and those with intermediate-degree burns. The presence of dead tissue over a burn wound hinders the healing process and serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. Consequently, clearing the eschar as soon as possible and getting a clean wound bed as soon as possible, can be regarded as the main objective to initiate the process of wound healing, either through autografting or spontaneous epithelization. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the surgical management of thermal injuries. The article also discusses the importance of early surgical intervention, including debridement, skin grafting, and other surgical techniques. Additionally, it explores the latest advancements in surgical management and the potential future directions in this field. Overall, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with thermal injuries.