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Burns and their treatment are a significant medical problem. The loss of the physical barrier function of the skin opens the door to microbial invasion and can lead to infection. The repair process of the damage caused by the burn is impaired due to the enhanced loss of fluids and minerals through the burn wound, the onset of hypermetabolism with the concomitant disruption of nutrient supply, and derangements in the endocrine system. In addition, the initiated inflammatory and free radical processes drive the progression of oxidative stress, the inhibition of which largely depends on an adequate supply of antioxidants and minerals. Clinical experience and research provide more and more data to make the treatment of patients with thermal injury increasingly effective. The publication discusses disorders occurring in patients after thermal injury and the methods used at various stages of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementation of key nutrients which prevents deficiencies associated with burn patient hypermetabolism is an important element of hospital nutrition. Burns deplete the body of selenium, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Basic parenteral nutrition preparations often lack the necessary microelements and vitamins, this way creating the need for their supplementation. Burns cause significant loss of copper and zinc. Supplementation is also crucial for rapid wound healing. Early supplementation of selenium reduces the risk of lipid peroxidation, supports antioxidant systems, improves the immune system and positively influences the wound healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunonutrition involves the use of specific nutrients to strengthen the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils), glutamate and arginine are among the most frequently described and studied in literature. Branched-chain amino acids, nucleotides and antioxidants are used to strengthen their effects. Burn patients present with significant abnormalities in their immune response. Therefore, nutritional interventions, especially those with an immunomodulatory component seem to be of particular importance in burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast augmentation with silicone-gel implants is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. Breast implant rupture is one of the possible late complications after both augmentation and reconstruction procedures. In this paper, we would like to discuss 4 case reports of silicone-gel implant rupture following reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The problem of theatre personnel being exposed to substances produced during electrosurgery has only recently started to be taken into consideration. This problem is particularly significant for personnel operating on patients with massive burns, since the optimal procedure for treating massive and deep burns is the early removal of tissue necrosis. For this purpose i.a. electrosurgery is used. The use of such instruments generates high temperature and increases exposure to harmful volatile agents in the smoke discharged from the tissues that are being removed. Aim of the study was qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of non-polar volatile compounds released during burned tissue excision using cutting diathermy. Materials and methods The study was conducted during resection of patient's burned tissue on the first day after the burn (30% TBSA, depth third degree). The analyzed compounds were being absorbed by solid state extraction, using SPME fibers. Exposure time of the fibers was 30 minutes and began with the start of the procedure. The fibers were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results In our pilot studies which employed SPME technique to test surgical smoke composition, we have demonstrated the presence of several hundred of non-polar organic compounds. They were identified as simple aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, such as acid ester, hexane, acetone and complex organic derivatives of unknown toxicology. The analysis has also shown the presence of anesthetic gas - sevoflurane. Conclusions The current tests of electrosurgical smoke and fumes have been connected with the resection of healthy tissue. Our research, for the first time, shows the analysis of smoke resulting from the burned tissue resection. The majority of detected compounds has a potentially toxic effect and may constitute risk factors for the theatre personnel, that had not been previously taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]