THE ROLE OF THE OTOLARYNGOLOGIST IN THE EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BURN PATIENTS

Abstract

      Introduction: Head and neck involvement is common among burn patients and may affect critical structures of the upper airway, ear, and nose. Despite its clinical relevance, there is limited information regarding the role of the otolaryngologist in the comprehensive management of burn injuries.

Objective: To describe the experience of the National Institute of Rehabilitation in the otolaryngologic evaluation and management of burn patients treated at the National Center for Burn Research and Care (CENIAQ).

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. Medical records of burn patients evaluated by the Otolaryngology Department at CENIAQ between 2021 and 2025 were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, burn-related variables, otolaryngologic findings, procedures performed, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results: A total of 155 patients were included, with a mean age of 31.5 ± 19 years; 70% were male. The mean total body surface area burned was 37.7 ± 25.7%. The most common findings were facial burns (82.6%), auricular burns (60.0%), neck burns (51.6%), singed nasal hairs (50.3%), and upper airway burns (16.1%). Overall, 93.5% of patients presented at least one otolaryngologic diagnosis. The most frequently performed procedures were flexible nasolaryngoscopy (36.8%), otoscopy/endoscopic ear evaluation (28.4%), and nasal endoscopy (26.5%). Tracheostomy was required in 30.9% of patients. Overall mortality was 30.3%, while 67.7% of patients were discharged after clinical improvement.

Conclusions: Otolaryngologic injuries are highly prevalent among patients with severe burns. Early involvement of the otolaryngologist facilitates prompt identification of airway, ear, and nasal injuries and enables timely diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Our findings support the systematic integration of otolaryngologic assessment into multidisciplinary burn care protocols.