Surgeons and scars: differences between patients and surgeons in the perceived requirement for reconstructive surgery following burn injury.

Background: Reconstruction of the burn patient presents a challenge to the burns surgeon. The variety of issues and the timing of surgery can be a daunting task. A group of 11 patients who were injured 1 year previously at the time of the Bali bomb blast were reviewed.

Methods: A customised assessment form was developed in order to quantify the patient's perceived need for reconstruction. Each patient was asked to prioritise, in order of preference any injured area they might consider for further surgery. These patients were then assessed independently by a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a senior trainee, using an identical form. The surgeons were asked to prioritise, in order of preference any area they might consider for further surgery and to indicate from a list the procedure they would employ. This list ranged from simple excision to free flap encompassing the entire reconstructive ladder.

Results: The patients all showed a strong reluctance to undergo further reconstruction. However there was a strong correlation between the surgeons, concurring on issues of function but there were discrepancies regarding "aesthetic" reconstruction.

Conclusions: This study highlights the absolute need for secondary burns reconstruction to be a patient driven service.