A shallow fishhook is one that goes straight in and has not penetrated to the curve of the hook—the barbed point is directed away from the skin surface. Deep fishhooks How To Remove a Deep Fishhook Fishhooks may become embedded deep in the subcutaneous or fascial layer of skin. A deep fishhook is one that has penetrated to or past the curve of the hook—the barbed point is directed parallel... read more have a different removal technique.
Indications for Shallow Fishhook Removal
Superficially embedded fishhook in skin
A fishhook in the globe of the eye should be managed by a specialist.
Contraindications to Shallow Fishhook Removal
None
Complications of Shallow Fishhook Removal
Infection
Chronic granuloma formation
Equipment for Shallow Fishhook Removal
Cleansing solution, such as povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine
21- and 25-gauge needles
10-mL syringe
Local anesthetic, such as 1% lidocaine
Pliers, 18-gauge needle, or 30 to 40 cm of strong string (eg, suture material) depending on removal method
Sometimes a #11 scalpel
Nonsterile gloves
Relevant Anatomy for Shallow Fishhook Removal
Rarely, hooks become embedded in or near important structures (eg, nerves, vessels, tendons) that must be taken into consideration during removal.
Positioning for Shallow Fishhook Removal
Patient comfort with good lighting, excellent exposure of the fishhook, and support of the affected area on a firm surface
Step-by-Step Description of Shallow Fishhook Removal
Shallow fishhooks are removed by direct traction, for which there are several methods. Some methods use a simple straight pull. Others cover the barb of the hook with a hollow needle or a scalpel blade so it does not snag on tissue and impede removal. For each of the methods
Cleanse the site, including protruding hook, with povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine solution.
Determine the location of the barb of the hook, which is on the inside of the curve of the hook.
Inject local anesthetic into the area around the hook entrance.
For the simple straight pull (string method)
Grab the hook near the skin with pliers or pass a looped string, fishing line, or thick suture around the curve of the hook and wrap the end around your dominant hand several times.
Disengage the barb from the tissue by grasping the hook with the thumb and middle finger of your nondominant hand and pressing the hook a few mm into the skin with your index finger.
Once the barb is disengaged, sharply pull the hook out with the pliers or string. With the string method (see figure Fish hook removal: String method Fish hook removal: String method
), protect yourself and bystanders from the hook, which often flies out briskly.
Fish hook removal: String method
1: Pass a looped string, fishing line, or thick suture around the curve of the hook and wrap the end around your dominant hand. 2: Disengage the barb from the tissue by grasping the hook with the thumb and middle finger of your nondominant hand and pressing the hook a few mm into the skin with your index finger. 3: Once the barb is disengaged, sharply pull the hook out with the string. Protect yourself and bystanders from the hook, which often flies out briskly.  |
For the needle cover method
Pass a short-bevel 18-gauge needle through the entrance of the hook parallel to the shaft of the hook until the needle bevel covers the cutting edge of the barb. Then withdraw the hook while the barb is covered (see figure Fish hook removal: Needle cover method Fish hook removal: Needle cover method
). Alternatively: Insert the point of a #11 scalpel blade to cover the barb and free the subcutaneous tissue that is engaged on the barb.
Fish hook removal: Needle cover method
Provide adequate local anesthesia then pass a short-bevel 18-gauge needle through the entrance of the hook parallel to the shaft of the hook until the needle bevel covers the cutting edge of the barb (left). Then withdraw the hook while the barb is covered (right).  |
After removing the hook
Cleanse the area with soap and water or a mild antibacterial wound cleanser such as chlorhexidine. Bandage the wound.
Give tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine Indications A vaccine for tetanus alone is available, but the tetanus vaccine is typically combined with those for diphtheria and/or pertussis. The vaccine for diphtheria is available only in combination... read more (eg, Td, Tdap) depending on patient's vaccination history (see table Tetanus Prophylaxis in Routine Wound Management Tetanus Prophylaxis in Routine Wound Management
). Incompletely immunized patients should also receive tetanus immune globulin 250 units IM.
Aftercare for Shallow Fishhook Removal
Keep wound clean and dry and remove dressing after 48 hours.
With foot wounds, elevate extremity and limit ambulation for 1 to 2 days.
Return for evaluation for increased pain, redness, swelling, or other indications of infection.
Antibiotics are not used routinely, unless patient is immunocompromised.
No data support the routine use of antibiotics except possibly in immunocompromised patients. If given, use a first-generation cephalosporin or penicillinase-resistant penicillin, or for patients with contraindications to penicillins and cephalosporins, clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, or tetracycline.
Warnings and Common Errors for Shallow Fishhook Removal
As with all puncture wounds, there is significant risk of infection.
Tips and Tricks for Shallow Fishhook Removal
When withdrawing a barb, pull slowly and steadily, directly away from the skin without twisting. Curved-tip forceps are best because the outer curve can be laid against the skin while the handle remains far enough from the skin to grasp easily.
Before removing a fishhook embedded in subungual tissue, use a digital block. Some cases require removing the nail or part of it to expose the hook.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
povidone-iodine |
Betadine, Betadine Prep, First Aid, GRx Dyne, GRx Dyne Scrub, Povidex , Povidex Peri |
chlorhexidine |
Betasept, Chlorostat, Hibiclens, Oro Clense , Peridex, Periogard, PerioRx , Perisol |
lidocaine |
7T Lido, Akten , ALOCANE, ANASTIA, AneCream, Anestacon, Aspercreme with Lidocaine, Astero , BenGay, Blue Tube, Blue-Emu, CidalEaze, DermacinRx Lidogel, DermacinRx Lidorex, DERMALID, Ela-Max, GEN7T, Glydo, Gold Bond, LidaMantle, Lidocan, Lidocare, Lidoderm, LidoDose, LidoDose Pediatric, Lidofore, LidoHeal-90, LIDO-K , Lidomar , Lidomark, LidoReal-30, LidoRx, Lidosense 4 , Lidosense 5, Lidosol, Lidosol-50, LIDO-SORB, Lidotral, Lidovix L, LIDOZION, Lidozo, LMX 4, LMX 4 with Tegaderm, LMX 5, LTA, Lydexa, Moxicaine, Numbonex, ReadySharp Lidocaine, RectaSmoothe, RectiCare, Salonpas Lidocaine, Senatec, Solarcaine, SUN BURNT PLUS, Tranzarel, Xyliderm, Xylocaine, Xylocaine Dental, Xylocaine in Dextrose, Xylocaine MPF, Xylocaine Topical, Xylocaine Topical Jelly, Xylocaine Topical Solution, Xylocaine Viscous, Zilactin-L, Zingo, Zionodi, ZTlido |
clindamycin |
Cleocin, Cleocin Ovules, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin T, CLIN, Clindacin ETZ, Clindacin-P, Clinda-Derm , Clindagel, ClindaMax, ClindaReach, Clindesse, Clindets, Evoclin, PledgaClin, XACIATO |
trimethoprim |
Primsol, Proloprim, TRIMPEX |
tetracycline |
Emtet-500, Panmycin, Sumycin |
