Summary
BACKGROUND: In the last decades, burn care has improved, so the trend in the current treatment extends beyond the preservation of life; the ultimate goal is the return of burn victims, as full members, back into their families and communities. This paper was prepared to consider the complex treatment of burns. METHODS: This paper is mainly based on our experience in treating patients suffering from burn injuries. RESULTS: One of the major problems that face any burn surgeon is the decision on the nature of treatment (conservative versus operative), so the key decision in the treatment is based on the exact determination of burn wound depth. In case of deep lesions early excision and suitable grafting and coverage should be performed whenever possible. Moreover, the adequate nutritional support is of utmost importance for the surgical treatment of burns. CONCLUSIONS: This paper is designed as a guideline and instruction manual to guide those with less experience through difficult situations in surgical burn care. Moreover it should be used as a guide to detect patients that require a referral to a burn centre after initial assessment.