BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a new treatment strategy for envenomation that consists of multiple small incisions and negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on injured limb swelling and systemic inflammatory reaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial on snakebite envenomation. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: an observation group and a control group. The traditional comprehensive treatment was administered in both groups, but the observation group also received combined treatment with multiple small incisions and NPWT. Reduction in limb swelling, mean admission duration, complication rate, and changes in the levels of relevant cytokines were recorded and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS: The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (5.44±0.89 days vs. 7.71±1.70 days). The complication rate and IL-6 concentration were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Multiple small incisions combined with NPWT proved effective for controlling the release of inflammatory cytokines and accelerating the relief of systemic inflammatory reaction. As a consequence, the complication rate decreased. Therefore, our new treatment strategy is safe and effective.

Keywords: Bite Envenomation, Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, Crotalid Venoms, Crotalinae, Length of Stay, Prospective Studies, Snake Bites, Surgical Wound, Wound Healing