Finger necrosis following snakebite in an endemic region: A case report and surgical considerations
Snakebite envenomation remains a significant cause of morbidity worldwide, with local tissue complications representing a major determinant of long-term functional outcome. Severe manifestations such as progressive necrosis, compartment syndrome, and chronic non-healing wounds frequently require surgical and reconstructive intervention. We report the case of a 67-year-old male patient who developed extensive soft tissue necrosis following a snakebite to the right hand. Despite timely systemic management, including antivenom therapy, progressive local tissue destruction occurred. Surgical treatment consisted of staged debridement followed by definitive reconstruction using fasciotomy and skin grafting. Satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes were achieved. This case underscores the critical role of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the management of severe local complications of snakebite envenomation. Early multidisciplinary collaboration and appropriate surgical timing are essential to minimize morbidity and optimize outcomes.
Authors
- Arda Özdemir (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9959-7315)
Institutions
- Izmir Atatürk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi (TR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Developments and Experiments in Health and Medicine
- Published
- 2026-07-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.18614/dehm.1852445
- Primary Topic
- Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00