Role of surgical intervention in the management of crotaline snake envenomation

Crotaline venoms produce various toxic effects. Although these are most commonly treated with specific antivenoms, surgical management of snakebite has also been practiced for many years. Surgical approaches to pit viper envenomation include incision or excision of the bite site, fasciotomy, and digit dermotomy. The evidence regarding each of these procedures is sparse; however, incision or excision of the bite site are difficult to advocate. Fasciotomy and digit dermotomy may be appropriate in carefully selected patients. [Hall EL. Role of surgical intervention in the management of crotaline snake envenomation. Ann Emerg Med. February 2001;37:175-180.]