Arch Plast Surg.  2018 Jan;45(1):80-84. 10.5999/aps.2016.01991.

A shark attack treated in a tertiary care centre: Case report and review of the literature

• Roy M
• Plant MA
• Snell L

• KMID: 2403545
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2016.01991

Abstract

Although uncommon, shark attacks can lead to devastating outcomes for victims. Surgeons also face unique challenges during operative management such as exsanguination, shock, specific injury patterns and infections. This case report presents the management of a 39-year-old previously healthy female attacked by a shark while on vacation in Mexico. The patient sustained severe injuries to her left arm and her left thigh. She was transferred to a Canadian institution after ambiguous operative management in Mexico and presented with no clear antibiotic coverage and a Volkman's contracture of the left upper extremity. In total, the patient underwent four washouts of wounds, two split-thickness skin grafts, one free anterolateral thigh flap, and one free transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap for the reconstruction and salvage of the left lower extremity. This article highlights the specifics of this case and describes important points in managing these devastating injuries.

Keyword

Shark; Bites; Free tissue flap; Myocutaneous flap; Penetrating wound

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arm
Contracture
Exsanguination
Female
Free Tissue Flaps
Humans
Lower Extremity
Mexico
Myocutaneous Flap
Sharks*
Shock
Skin
Surgeons
Tertiary Healthcare*
Thigh
Transplants
Upper Extremity
Wounds and Injuries
Wounds, Penetrating