Primary Closure in Animal Bites to Hands: A 7-year Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Animal bites, particularly those involving the hands, are common. However, the management of these injuries, especially through primary closure, remains controversial due to the associated risk of infection. This study investigates the safety of primary closure with passive drai...

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Vydáno v:Journal of Surgical Specialties and Rural Practice Ročník 6; číslo 1; s. 49 - 52
Hlavní autoři: Mandic, Matija, Yeboah, Edward
Médium: Journal Article
Jazyk:angličtina
Vydáno: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2025
Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
Vydání:2
Témata:
Analysis
animal bites
Care and treatment
cat bites
dog bites
hand injuries
Infection
Medical research
Medicine, Experimental
Original Article
primary closure
Safety and security measures
Strategic planning (Business)
surgical site infection
surgical wound management
Theater
Theater reviews
Wounds and injuries
Animal bites
dog bites
surgical wound management
surgical site infection
primary closure
hand injuries
cat bites
ISSN:2772-3143, 2772-3151
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Popis
Shrnutí:Abstract Background: Animal bites, particularly those involving the hands, are common. However, the management of these injuries, especially through primary closure, remains controversial due to the associated risk of infection. This study investigates the safety of primary closure with passive drains in hand wounds caused by animal bites. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at a rural hospital in Western Australia, reviewing 68 cases of hand wounds from animal bites between 2017 and 2024. Data collected included patient demographics, wound characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed to compare infection rates across different closure methods. Results: Of the 68 cases, 48 involved dog bites, 12 cat bites, and 8 bites from other animals. Cat bites were significantly more likely to be infected at the time of surgery (75%) compared to dog bites (22.9%). The overall postoperative infection rate was 5.88%, while primary closure with a passive drain resulted in an infection rate of 4.17%. Conclusion: Primary closure of animal bite wounds to the hand, when combined with a passive drain, appears to be safe, with infection rates comparable to those of typical laceration repairs. This approach may offer a viable alternative to traditional management strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes. However, further prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
ISSN:2772-3143
2772-3151
DOI:10.4103/jssrp.jssrp_1_25