As the only national key laboratory researching injury in China, the national key laboratory of trauma, burns and combined injury in Chongqing has been recognized by its peers for its research in this field.

Over the past ten years, the burns division of the laboratory has treated more than 800 patients with severe burns, among which 318 patients have a burn area of more than 70%. The cure rate goes beyond 99%, far surpassing related medical institutions in other countries.

World's largest burn research center

How did they do it?

The burs division is a complex integrating medical treatment, scientific research, teaching, think tanks, and other functions. It includes ward, burns operating room, burns rehabilitation center, wound research center, laser treatment center, etc. In addition, scientific researchers conduct theoretical research in each research center and platform and participate in the treatment of patients.

"Led by Li Ao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering," said Professor Luo Gaoxing, head of the burns division. "The burns division was founded in the late 1950s and is now the world's largest burn research center."

In the 1950s, more than 100 technicians organized and led by Li successively completed over 40 researches on over 100 sub-topics. Their efforts on the worldwide problem of inhalation injury made China a leader in international burn medicine.

Significant progress made in the repair mechanism

Since the establishment of the burs division in 2003, considerable progress has been made in the prevention and treatment strategies of gut-derived infection, the repair mechanism, prevention and control measures of severe burns, etc.

"The infection of patients with severe burns was once thought to be caused by skin infections," explained Luo. "However, studies have found that patients are most likely to have a systemic infection or endotoxemia due to gut barrier failure, so the findings of gut-derived infection are of innovative significance."

So far, the burns division has conducted a series of studies on the fine treatment of burn wounds, prevention and treatment of visceral complications secondary to severe burns, and prevention and treatment of scars. They hope that in the near future, patients with severe burns can not only be saved but also be treated well.