Snakebites are common in people living or working in rural area. Military personnel are among the risk groups for viper envenomation.
In this study, we presented seven cases of vipera snakebites in military personnel and discussed how to minimize functional loss and maximize the outcome. All of the bites were located in extremities and 5 were at hands.
All patients were admitted at the day of snake bite which is an indicator of good triage. Hematological complications were the most common systemic complications. Antivenom therapy was performed according to the severity of the envenomation. Local wound care, grafts and flaps were used for wound coverage.
Pit viper envenomation can cause serious morbidity in military personnel especially at hot climates. A suspicion of snake bite must be managed properly. Triage is the most important step to reduce the morbidity. Almost all snake bites occur in extremities, thus protective measurement must be taken especially for hands.
Key words: Snakebite, Vipera, Envenomation, Military Personnel Article Language: Turkish English
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