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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes
Published on: February 23, 2024
Differences in burn wound size estimation between points of referral and the burn unit: experience at a major burn
Samuel Adesina Ademola1, Ayodele Olukayode Iyun1, Izegaegbe Ohiosimuan Obadan2
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Background:
Accurate burn wound size estimation is important for resuscitation and subsequent management. It is also important for the development of referral guidelines in Nigeria.
Objective:
To establish whether a significant discrepancy exists in burn size estimation between referral centers and burn units.
Methods:
A retrospective review of burn patients managed at the burn unit of a premier tertiary hospital in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, between January 1, 2016, and October 31, 2019 was conducted. Patients' demographic and other characteristics, inclusive of TBSA estimation from point of referral and the burn unit, were retrieved and analyzed.
Results:
A total of 96 burn injury records were found for the study period, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. Thirty-five records (36.5%) included no burn size estimation by the referring physician. There was a statistically significant difference in TBSA estimation between referring physicians and burn unit physicians (P = .015). Burn wounds were more likely to be overestimated than underestimated (P = .016). Overestimation is more likely with minor burns and in pediatric patients. Underestimation was more likely in adults.
Conclusion:
There is a significant difference in burn size estimation between burn unit physicians and referring physicians. This finding underscores the need for continuous education on burn estimation to aid proper referral and management.
