Abstract

GAVIRIA-CASTELLANOS, J.L.; GOMEZ-ORTEGA, V.  and  GUTIERREZ, P.. Chemical burns due to assault: characteristics and incidence at the Simón Bolívar Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2015, vol.41, n.1, pp.73-82. ISSN 1989-2055.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0376-78922015000100009.

We present the experience of Simon Bolivar Hospital, Bogotá (Colombia) in the management of chemical burns due to attack during 18 consecutive years, since September 1996 to December 2013, through a retrospective study in which 45 victims were admitted. We establish the protocol for the medical treatment as well as the surgical management of these type of burns and we also describe the environment in which these attacks took place. It was determined that 82% of the victims were young women (age average 25,8 years old). Face, neck, hands and genitals are the most affected body areas, and most of them required multiple reconstructive procedures for extended periods of time. These lesions besides being unwieldy and leave serious scarring and functional consequences in the victims, have become a serious legal and social problem, placing Colombia at the top of these type of crimes worldwide.

Keywords : Burns; Chemical burns; Burn attacks.

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