Role of the Anesthesiologist in Burn Management
摘要
The purpose of this review is to identify current best practices related to the care of severe burn patients during initial resuscitation, evaluation of burn inhalation injury (BII), perioperative management for excision and grafting, and acute pain management.
Recent FindingsAlthough many principles of management are shared, there is wide variability in protocols. The burn population remains understudied, and many recommendations are based on consensus opinion or extrapolation of care for similar patient populations.
SummaryBurn injury is a leading cause of trauma worldwide and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with severe burns benefit from systematic evaluation and regimented resuscitation. Given that these patients frequently require airway intervention and operative care for both burn and concomitant injuries, it is prudent for anesthesiologists to be familiar with best practices related to the management of burn patients. Understanding the metabolic derangements associated with burns allows anesthesiologists to mitigate the risks of under- or overresuscitation, infection, airway compromise, multiorgan system failure, hypothermia, and death. Furthermore, anesthesiologists can play an essential role in the management of pain, anxiety, and delirium.