Perioperative management of burn patients

Burns continue to be a leading cause of death in the United States. Survivability of burn patients has increased since 1988 because of significant changes in the management of life-threatening injuries. Advances include rapid removal of eschar, skin grafting, and early enteral feeding. Pathophysiologic changes occur in every major organ system of the burn patient and must be aggressively treated. Perioperative care of the burn patient begins in the immediate postburn period and continues throughout the patient's care. Intraoperative management of the patient requires organization, planning, and, above all, communication between the OR team members and anesthesia care providers to ensure optimum results.