Trauma and Burn Surgery
Written By: Sonal Gupta
There are two types of burn surgery: acute and restrictive. Acute burns occur immediately after an injury and are quickly treated by trauma surgeons. Reconstructive surgery revolves around complex burns, in which plastic surgeons are consulted in order to reduce the existence of scarred tissue (Reconstructive Burn Surgery).
Reconstructive surgery is highly beneficial compared to other types of surgery. Though scarring doesn’t just disappear after one surgery and the process takes time, the end results improve basic functions and the scars appear to be more “healed”. Scarring limits motions of the limbs, neck, and more. Facial scarring can have deadly effects on the functions of all facial features (Reconstructive Burn Surgery). Abnormal scars are improved through both surgical and nonsurgical methods.
Non-surgical treatments include scar massage, applying pressure, or other therapies. This differs from the surgical methods, as in this case, plastic surgeons will directly contact scar tissue by attempting to release and open areas of tight skin tissue (Reconstructive Burn Surgery). Skin grafts and donor flaps are used in complex procedures for specific purposes. Tissue expansion is another method in which healthy skin is used to replace dead or damaged skin, reducing congenital and acquired defects on any part of the body.
If burning and scarring go untreated or treated, many complications can occur. One simple complication is shocking, where there won’t be a sufficient amount of oxygen entering the body resulting in a pale face and fast breathing. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke will occur when the internal temperature breaks homeostasis and elevates, resulting in rapid pulse, muscle pain, confusion, dizziness, fainting, and more (Complications Burns and Scalds).
If the untreated wound opens up, bacteria will enter the wound leading to infection, in which the patient will have to be treated surgically immediately. Infection can lead to uncomfortable pain, a high temperature, and redness and swelling of the skin (Complications Burns and Scalds). After treatment, scarring may still be visible. Long-term psychological effects are also possible if the patient is unable to cope with the scarring or burns he/she may have. This leads to feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, and a lack of confidence. Usually, after a traumatic injury has occurred, a patient might experience PTSD as well (Complications Burns and Scalds).
Overall, burn and trauma surgeries, both acute and reconstructive, can lead to many complications if the patient isn’t treated correctly through surgical and non-surgical methods.
Sources
“Reconstructive Burn Surgery.” Reconstructive Burn Surgery | Michigan Medicine, www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/surgery/plastic/burn-reconstructive.
“Complications Burns and Scalds.” NHS Choices, NHS, 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/complications/.
