Principles of simple to complex reconstruction and management of full-thickness head and neck burns

Abstract

Aims: Reconstruction in cases of head and neck burns requires more complex approaches than other burns. The affected areas are often evaluated late in head neck burns and the functional structure of the anatomical region is not taken into consideration during the reconstruction. Subjects and Methods: We performed the review of 98 patients who were admitted for full-thickness head and neck burns and followed up at the Burn Center from 2016 to 2022. Demographic data (age and gender), details of the burn injuries (etiology, affected anatomical area, and percentage of the total body surface area [TBSA]), and preferred surgical interventions were examined retrospectively. Results: The mean age of the patients whose data were examined retrospectively was 27.03 (11 months–41 years). None of the patients in the present study had isolated scalp or facial burns, although all had accompanying burns to the torso and the upper or lower extremities. All patients needed a procedure that required anesthesia in the operating, and all of them underwent multiple operations or multiple procedures in a single session. Conclusion: In patients with high percentages of burnt areas to the TBSA, full-thickness scalp and facial burns are treated secondarily. Therefore, such patients consult their physicians for problems that are difficult to reconstruct in the late periods. The affected areas of full-thickness scalp and facial burns should be divided into functional and nonfunctional units, and early reconstruction should be applied in accordance with the algorithm.