Body piercing in the accident and emergency department

Recently an increasing number of patients with complications related to pie rced body jewellery have been seen. Often removal of the jewellery is indic ated, Removal of these items may also be required for radiological purposes . If the doctor is familiar with the opening mechanism of the hem, removal is not usually difficult. Uninformed attempts at removal may cause unnecess ary trauma and distress. In a survey of 28 accident acid emergency doctors, only six were able accurately to describe the opening mechanisms of all th ree commonly used types of jewellery. Descriptions of the types of jeweller y currently used are not available in the medical literature. The aim of th is article is to familiarise doctors with the types of jewellery used, desc ribe their opening mechanisms, and suggest techniques for their removal. Th e complications of body piercing and the indications for the removal of bod y jewellery are also outlined.