In the treatment of severe thermal burns, surgeons must work quickly to assess the severity of the wound to plan for the optimal treatment strategy while considering the timing for the removal of the eschar. These steps play a central role in the ability to advance a patient to wound closure and healing. In planning for eschar removal, surgeons must consider many factors, including depth, the severity and location of the burn, the physical and emotional health of the patient, and multiple potential risks, including inflammation, blood loss, pain, infection and scarring.
