Retrospective and Prospective Study of Snake Bite Cellulitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study is planned to assess the incidence and clinical manifestation of cellulitis and other surgical complication in snakebite patients in order to find out the nature and burden of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a five-year retrospective and prospective study conducted in the Department of Surgery, Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur and Chhattisgarh. Out of total 284 patients admitted with snakebite, 164 (58.7%) patients suffered cellulitis and other surgical complications, which was managed and analysed. The categorical data was expressed as rates, ratio and percentage. RESULTS Out of 164 (58.7%) patients who developed cellulitis and other changes, 75.2% were males and mean age of the study population was 34.3±14.7 years. Majority of patients had snakebite on lower limb (75.2%). The most common symptom complex was pain + swelling 70.3% at the site of the bite. 25 (15.2%) patients underwent wound debridement and 7 (4.26%) patients required skin grafting. 2 (1.2%) patients suffered from compartment syndrome and required fasciotomy, wound debridement and skin grafting. CONCLUSION The present study shows high incidence of cellulitis and other surgical conditions in patients with snakebite and most common clinical feature was pain + swelling (cellulitis). So, in any case of snakebite, proper precautionary measures should be taken to prevent them. If cellulitis and other surgical condition has already developed, then it should be treated promptly in order to prevent the loss of limb or life.