“Burns” Occurring During Lengthy Surgical Procedures

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.