Our Clinical Experiences with Snake Bites

Abstract

Purpose: We are presenting our experiences in twelve patients with Venana Viperarum (snake) bites in South-East of Turkey.
Patients and methods: There were eight male and four female patients and the ages ranged from three to fifty-seven years (average 30,6 year). Average follow-up period was 12 months (6-15 months).
Results: Blood products were transfused for one patient who developed thrombocytopenia (platelet counts of 7.000/ mm3) with significant coagulopathy following snake bite. This patient was monitored in the intensive care unit. Tissue necroses in six patients were treated by early debridement and soft tissue reconstructions. Compartment syndromes in four patients were treated by open fasciotomy of the upper and lower arm and delayed primary closure. There was no evidence of allergic reactions in patients treated with antivenom and bitten by snakes..
Conclusion: According to us, the optimal treatment of venomous bites remain controversial.