title: "Burns" occurring during lengthy surgical procedures.
abstract: Accidental burns or burn-like injuries continue to occur during lengthy surgical procedures. Many remain unexplained as to the cause. The threat of litigation suppresses discussion of the incidence of injuries of this type -- which are not uncommon. The same threat appears to have suppressed wider discussion of potential solutions. Many of these burn-like injuries are not burns but pressure sores, and as such are preventable. Strategies for reducing the numbers of injuries of this type are discussed.
mesh_terms: D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States