Plastic Surgery>>>>>Burns and trauma
Question 5#

There are few published series of microsurgical reconstruction in post-burn paediatric patients. What is the principal reason for this?

A. Microvascular anastomosis has an unacceptably high failure rate after thermal injury in children
B. Children with extensive post-burn contractures do not tolerate prolonged anaesthesia well
C. The technical skills to perform these procedures are extremely demanding
D. Where the technical skills and resources exist there are relatively few patients who can benefit from the surgery
E. Acute burns care is so good that, globally, there is little need for such complex surgery

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

Where the technical skills and resources exist there are relatively few patients who can benefit from the surgery. Sadly, in much of the developing world where the need for resources and expertise is much greater, many such children struggle to survive.

References:
1. Burd A, Pang PCW, Ying SY, Ayyappan T. Microsurgical reconstruction in children’s burns. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2006; 59: 679-92.