Fishhook removal: case reports and a review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Fishhook injuries are common among people who fish for recreation, but can be encountered in anyone who has handled a fishhook. They represent a unique challenge for Emergency Physicians who seek to remove them without causing further tissue damage from the barbed nature of the hook.

Objective: Our aim was to discuss the techniques available to providers in the removal of a barbed fishhook by illustrating actual cases seen in the Emergency Department.

Case reports: We present two cases of patients with fishhook injuries. We discuss the proper assessment of these injuries. We describe techniques for removing a barbed hook from a patient's skin and offer images to guide management.

Conclusions: Understanding the unique nature of fishhook injuries and awareness of techniques to manage them are essential to the practicing Emergency Physician.