|
|
|
| SPECIALIST ANSWERS
|
Question |
Question Category:Infections |
|
A child is having muscle deep CLW following dog bite.Is it not at all advisable to get the wound sutured ? I came accross many surgeons doing suturing of the deep lacerated wounds following dog bite. Please clarify.
|
|
|
|
Answer |
|
Suturing of bite wounds remains controversial. For animal bite wounds that are clean, uninfected lacerations located anywhere other than the hand or foot, you may staple, tape, or suture them closed. Infection rates in sutured dog bite wounds have compared favorably with those for unsutured wounds and with non-bite lacerations. If the wound is infected when first seen, plan either a delayed repair after three to five days of saline dressings or secondary wound healing without closure. With animal bites that are punctures or located on the hand, wrist or foot, or bites more than 12 hours old, in most cases, you should leave the wounds open and apply a light dressing or saline dressing and consider delayed primary closure after two to three days. If rabies is suspected, do not suture the wound.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|