article · International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
Crocodile bites inflict severe, potentially life-threatening trauma characterised by extensive soft tissue loss and fractures. This clinical report details the treatment of a twenty-year-old fisherman attacked during a night fishing expedition in Tanzania. Initial care at a peripheral healthcare facility involved resuscitation, wound debridement, antibiotic administration, and tetanus prophylaxis. Following transfer to a tertiary hospital, specialists evaluated a large 15 by 8 centimetre defect on the left fronto-parietal scalp, alongside lacerations to the fourth and fifth extensor digitorum tendons and the extensor digiti minimi tendon. Surgeons repaired the hand tendons using the modified Kessler technique, noted for its superior biomechanical performance. They subsequently addressed the extensive scalp avulsion using a right fronto-parietal transposition flap. The combined clinical interventions yielded acceptable functional recovery and cosmetic results, aligning with outcomes reported in comparable medical literature.
Animal attacks involving large aquatic predators produce catastrophic, complex wounds combining physical tissue loss and high infection risks. Documenting successful clinical protocols provides clinicians in regional and tertiary facilities with practical guidance on staging emergency resuscitation, controlling infection risks, and executing advanced reconstructive surgery to restore physical function and appearance in survivors.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, as it focuses entirely on an individual clinical case study and established surgical reconstruction techniques rather than a commercial product or service.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Crocodile bites on humans are rare but can lead to life-threatening injuries that most commonly affect the extremities and are often characterized by fractures and severe soft tissue avulsion. This case highlights 20 years-old fisherman, victim of crocodile bite, managed in a plastic surgery unit of a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: A 20 years old male was attacked by a crocodile during night fishing activity and was rescued by fellow fishermen. Conducted to a peripheral hospital, resuscitation, antibiotics therapy, tetanus prophylaxis and debridement were initiated. He was then referred to a tertiary hospital where the assessment shown a 15 × 8 cm open debrided wound on the left fronto-parietal area and injuries on 4th and 5th extensor digitorum tendon and on the extensor digit minimi tendons repaired by the modified Kessler technique. Scalp defect was reconstructed by a right fronto-parietal transposition flap later. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were acceptable. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Crocodile bite is dangerous and requires quicker reference to a health facility that should initiate resuscitation, antibiotics and tetanus toxoid. Optimal definitive management is done in a tertiary care center. Biomechanically, Modified Kessler is the most superior tendon repairs technique. The large size of scalp defect motivated its reconstruction by a transposition flap. Functional and cosmetic results were similar to other studies. CONCLUSION: Crocodile attack survivors suffer from large wounds with significant tissue destruction. To improve outcomes, early initiation of resuscitation, antibiotic therapy, and tetanus prophylaxis is essential. Definitive management, including soft tissue reconstruction, should be carried out at a tertiary hospital.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.111721
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
