An analysis of surgical and anaesthetic factors affecting skin graft viability in patients admitted to a Burns Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

[Formula: see text]Lay Summary[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]After large burns injuries, patients require fluid to be given via an IV drip. This is often very large volumes of fluid, much higher than would normally be required in other medical conditions. When the area of burn is very large multiple operations are often required and during these operations, IV fluids are again used to keep the blood pressure normal and keep the patient hydrated. We looked at the hospital records of 35 patients to see if there was any link between the drugs and fluids given during these operations and the success of the skin grafts performed in these operations. We found that using a particular type of fluid called a colloid fluid, which allows smaller volumes to be given for the same effect on blood pressure and hydration, was more common in patients whose skin grafts subsequently required further surgery due to poor healing. A larger study would now be required to see if this type of fluid is causing poor healing or whether it is a coincidental finding only.