Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Review
Colonic perforation following major burns: Experience from a burns center and a systematic review.
Major burns complicated by stress ulceration and perforation of the stomach or duodenum is a recognized clinical phenomenon. Colonic perforation in burns patients is not common, and the overall incidence, diagnosis, intervention undertaken and mortality is incompletely described in the literature. ⋯ The current literature is mainly limited to case series and case reports and confirms that colonic perforations in burns patients are rare. Colonic perforations are related to the systemic effect of burn injuries including sepsis and gastrointestinal stasis. We have identified patients who are at higher risk of developing colonic perforations and have described the common findings in these patients. Through greater awareness early diagnosis and prompt intervention may be achieved to improve outcomes and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.