[Surgical approaches in the treatment of burns]

The indication for operative treatment of third-degree burns, necrectomy and the possibilities for closing the defects are discussed. Special problems have to be considered in the operative therapy of third-degree hand injuries. In cases of extensive burns the donor areas are mostly limited and a biological dressing must be used. Different kinds of wound coverage are available for the final autologous skin reconstruction in these patients. Last but not least, the right postoperative immobilisation of both the patient and the transplanted areas is very important for successful skin grafting.