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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X
EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 9, No. 1, 2004, pp. 82-86
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Bioline Code: js04019
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2004, pp. 82-86
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Snakebite Management: Experiences From Gulu Regional Hospital Uganda
Wangoda R., Watmon B., Kisige M
Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to document our experience with supportive therapy without antivenom in snakebite management.
Methods: In a prospective study undertaken at Gulu Regional Hospital, Northern Uganda from January to December 2002 the outcome of supportive therapy in management of 108 cases of snakebite was assessed.
Results: The lower extremity was involved in 106 patients (98.1%) and the upper extremity in the remaining two cases. Sixty-two patients (57.4 %) did not get any First Aid prior to admission. All Patients received supportive therapy. None of the patients received snake antivenom since it was unavailable at the hospital. All the 108 patients (100 %) improved and were discharged. The duration of hospital stay was 2 to 17 days with a mean of 3.8 days.
Conclusion: Supportive therapy is simple, safe and effective treatment for snakebite without serious systemic poisoning.
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© Copyright 2004 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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