Shark attack: Review of 86 consecutive cases

Background: On average there are approximately 50 confirmed shark attacks w orldwide annually. Despite their rarity, such incidents often generate much public and media attention. Methods: The injuries of 86 consecutive victims of shark attack were review ed from 1980 to 1999, Clinical data retrieved from the South African Shark Attack Files, maintained by the Natal Sharks Board, were retrospectively an alyzed to determine the nature, treatment, and outcome of injuries. Results: The majority of victims (n = 68 [81%]) had relatively minor injuri es that required simple primary suture, Those patients (n = 16 [19%]) with more extensive limb lacerations longer than 20 cm or with soft-tissue loss of more than one myofascial compartment were associated with higher morbidi ty and limb loss. In 8 of the 10 fatalities, death occurred as a result of exsanguinating hemorrhage from a limb vascular injury. Conclusion: Victims of shark attack usually sustain only minor injuries. In more serious cases, particularly if associated with a major vascular injur y, hemorrhage control and early resuscitation are of utmost importance duri ng the initial management if these patients are to survive.