Surgical management of stingray injuries. About two clinical cases

Fifty injuries by stingrays are annually examined in the New Caledonia hospital. The injuries occur most often in the lower extremity, rare puncture injuries to the thorax or abdomen can cause death. The wound is associated with envenomation. The pain is intense with oedema, cyanosis, erythema often followed by tissue necrosis. In many cases, the management of stingray wounds is inadequate and the gravity often not well appreciated. Localized morbidity and prolonged healing may occur without an effective surgical management. Wound exploration and debridement are particularly indicated after first-aid measures, such as immersion in hot water. The characteristics, treatment and prevention are discussed in connection with two cases.