Burns Open (Apr 2022)
Perineal burns: Epidemiology, severity factors, management issues and outcome
Abstract
Background: Perineal burns have a direct bearing on the quality of life with physical, functional, sexual, and psychological ramifications. These are defined as major burns requiring referral to a burn centre for management. Isolated genital burns are unusual, and are typically seen as part of larger burns with longer hospital stays and high morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns (SKIMS), Srinagar, India from 2016 to 2020. Results: 10.1% of patients (51/503) qualified as perineal burns. The average age was 16.92 ± 45.18 years with a male to female ratio of 3:1. 59% of patients were of the pediatric group and 60% of them were scalds, while flame burns predominate (71.4%) in the adults. 13% were caused by firepot/hot-air blower. The average percentage of body surface area involved was 38.40 ± 114. Most burns were second-degree superficial (70.6%). Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission was required in 21.6% of patients. Surgery was required in 17.6% of cases. The mortality rate was 21.6%. Conclusions: The real incidence of perineal burns might be much higher than reported. They act as a predictor for the need for ICU care and mortality in the adult population. Firepot/hot air blower causing full-thickness burns are not infrequent in colder places; so, these hold a promising position when dispensing preventive measures. Conservative management has excellent results.
