MetaTOC stay on top of your field, easily

The management of viper bites on the hand

,

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume): Journal of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand & Official Journal of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand

Published online on

Abstract

The management of Viperidae snake bites of the hand is discussed from an assessment of the results of snake bite treatments in our clinic. Between 2010 and 2012, 23 patients presenting with venomous snake bites were admitted. None of the patients received a blood transfusion or underwent fasciotomy. There were no severe sensitivity reactions owing to the snake antivenom; however, one patient required a surgical procedure. Repetition of antivenom therapy is necessary to decrease the complication rate in patients with venomous snake bites. Moreover, the use of a peripheral vasodilator may decrease the complication rates in cases where the bite is on the digits.