“BURN INJURY RECONSTRUCTION: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM A DEDICATED PLASTIC SURGERY UNIT”
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Keywords
Burn reconstruction, Post-burn contracture, Skin grafting, Z-plasty, Plastic surgery outcomes
Abstract
Background: Burn injuries remain a major public health challenge, causing significant morbidity, functional impairment, and long-term aesthetic deformities. Reconstruction in specialized plastic surgery units is essential for restoring function and appearance, particularly in patients with post-burn contractures and hypertrophic scars. This study aimed to delineate the clinical profile, reconstructive strategies, and outcomes of burn survivors in a dedicated plastic surgery unit.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Kilpauk Government Medical College, Chennai, India. Medical records of patients aged ≥5 years undergoing post-burn reconstructive surgery between January and December 2021 were reviewed. Data collected included demographics, burn characteristics, anatomical sites, reconstructive techniques, timing and intent of surgery, operative outcomes, and complications. Descriptive statistics were applied, with logistic regression performed to identify predictors of complications and recurrence.
Results: A total of 120 patients were included, predominantly adult (56.7%) males (61.7%), with flame burns being the most common etiology (54.2%). The hand and upper limbs were the most frequently reconstructed regions (43.3%), followed by head and neck (29.2%). Reconstructive techniques included split-thickness skin grafting (40%), full-thickness grafts (10%), Z-plasty/local flaps (29.2%), regional flaps (12.5%), tissue expansion (5%), and free microvascular flaps (3.3%). Two-thirds of procedures (66.7%) were secondary reconstructions targeting functional restoration (76.7%). Postoperative outcomes were favorable, with a 90% complete graft/flap take rate, surgical site infections in 9.2%, and contracture recurrence in 4.2%.
Conclusion: The study highlights the pivotal role of dedicated plastic surgery units in managing post-burn deformities, emphasizing functional restoration through a systematic reconstructive ladder. Early referral, specialized surgical expertise, and structured postoperative care result in high graft/flap success rates, low recurrence, and improved long-term functional outcomes.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr Siddharth Singh Baghel
M.S., M.Ch Pg 3rd year Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Kilpauk Government Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr Sukanya M
M.S. ,M.Ch Pg 3rd year Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Kilpauk Government Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr Dharmil Doshi
M.S. ,M.Ch Pg 3rd year Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Kilpauk Government Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr K Prasanna
Assistant Professor, Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Kilpauk Government Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
