Venomous snake bite in papua and its treatment with tracheotomy, artificial respiration and antivenene

Abstract

1) An additional 41 cases of venomous snake bite treated at the Port Moresby General Hospital are reported. The details of the 10 most severe cases are tabulated. 2) The clnical findings in these cases and in 11 previously reported cases are reviewed. 3) The performance of tracheotomy and the use of artificial respiration reduced the mortality rate from a possible 29 per cent. to 4 per cent. Antivenene may have benefited another 17 per cent. 4) The complete reversibility of the muscular paralysis produced by lethal doses of elapine venom was again demonstrated.