The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Catastrophic burn injuries often leave patients in shock or incommunicative, creating complex ethical situations. Patient autonomy and the ability to make competent decisions become key issues. Although patient surrogates may aid in decision making, few patient advocates possess appropriate perspective of burn injury, management options, and likely outcomes. ⋯ At what point does caring for the severely burned patient become futile, and who defines it as such? Whereas formulas and algorithms guide medical management, very few well-defined principles direct ethical decision making in severe burn management. The physician must rely on his or her understanding of medical ethics to marshal a complex team of burn personnel, maintain institutional protocol, and work closely with patients and patient advocates. Only thorough, thoughtful rational application of ethics can one provide maximal respect for patient autonomy while optimally managing the severe burn injury.
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There are an estimated 1.2 million burn injuries per year in the United States, one third of which occur in children. Most of these injuries will be treated nonoperatively, frequently in an outpatient setting. This article aims to provide the practitioner with a understanding of the pathophysiology of burn injuries, a guide to the initial assessment of the patient, and management recommendations for nonoperative treatment of the burned pediatric patient.
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A Marjolin's ulcer arising in a chronic scalp burn scar is reported. Malignant transformation occurred after 1 decade. The tumor had invaded the skull, but not dura mater and its underlined brain tissue. This case illustrates the importance of appropriate and expeditious initial wound management of scar ulcers with high malignant potential to prevent this devastating outcome and also the role of reconstructive surgical techniques in radical surgery for scalp cancers.