Fishhook Removal
Aftercare
- After removal of the fishhook, the wound should be explored and irrigated for possible foreign bodies (e.g., bait).
- Leave the wound open, apply an antibiotic ointment and a simple dressing.
- Administer tetanus toxoid as per guidelines.
- Consider prophylactic antibiotic therapy for persons who are immunosuppressed or have poor wound healing (e.g., patients with diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease).
- Prophylactic antibiotic therapy may also be considered for deeper wounds that involve the tendons, cartilage, or bone.
Provide health education:
- Keep the wound clean and dry.
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection: wound tenderness, erythema greater than 1 cm from wound edge, wound purulence, and regional lymphangitis.
Follow-up
Patient should be advised to return to clinic if they develop signs of infection.
