injuries poisoning
How To Remove a Shallow Fishhook
Step by Step Description of Shallow Fishhook Removal
Shallow fishhooks are removed by direct traction, for which there are several methods. Some methods use a simple straight pull. Others cover the barb of the hook with a hollow needle or a scalpel blade so it does not snag on tissue and impede removal. For each of the methods Cleanse the site, including protruding hook, withpovidone-iodineorchlorhexidinesolution. Determine the location of the barb of the hook, which is on the inside of the curve of the hook. Inject local anesthetic into the area around the hook entrance. Grab the hook near the skin with pliers or pass a looped string, fishing line, or thick suture around the curve of the hook and wrap the end around your dominant hand several times. Disengage the barb from the tissue by grasping the hook with the thumb and middle finger of your nondominant hand and pressing the hook a few mm into the skin with your index finger. Once the barb is disengaged, sharply pull the hook out with the pliers or string. With the string method (see figure Fish hook removal: String method ), protect yourself and bystanders from the hook, which often flies out briskly. 1: Pass a looped string, fishing line, or thick suture around the curve of the hook and wrap the end around your dominant hand. 2: Disengage the barb from the tissue by grasping the hook with the thumb and middle finger of your nondominant hand and pressing the hook a few mm into the skin with your index finger. 3: Once the barb is disengaged, sharply pull the hook out with the string. Protect yourself and bystanders from the hook, which often flies out briskly. Pass a short-bevel 18-gauge needle through the entrance of the hook parallel to the shaft of the hook until the needle bevel covers the cutting edge of the barb. Then withdraw the hook while the barb is covered (see figure Fish hook removal: Needle cover method ). Alternatively: Insert the point of a #11 scalpel blade to cover the barb and free the subcutaneous tissue that is engaged on the barb. Provide adequate local anesthesia then pass a short-bevel 18-gauge needle through the entrance of the hook parallel to the shaft of the hook until the needle bevel covers the cutting edge of the barb (left). Then withdraw the hook while the barb is covered (right). Cleanse the area with soap and water or a mild antibacterial wound cleanser such aschlorhexidine. Bandage the wound. Give Indications (eg, Td, Tdap) depending on patient's vaccination history (see table 