c. Cut the Ring. Cut the ring with a commercial ring cutter. Spread the ring
with two pliers. Remove the ring.
1-9.
SOFT TISSUE FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL
a. General Guidelines.
(1) Take a history of the patient, including information about any unusual
medical problems.
(2)
Determine the specific characteristics of the foreign body.
(3) Devise the best plan for removing the foreign body. An object such as
wood needs to be removed immediately since it can cause inflammation and infection.
Objects such as glass or plastic may be removed on an elective basis. Metallic foreign
bodies which are causing no additional damage need never be removed.
CAUTION:
DO NOT attempt a hasty exploration for the item. Consider other
possibilities of injury rather than the patient's explanation.
(4) Equipment to gather includes a standard suture tray, tissue retractors,
and special pick-ups. Remember to have good direct light.
b. Operative Technique. The operative technique to use is tailored to each
clinical situation.
CAUTION:
DO NOT grab blindly with a hemostat in an effort to remove a foreign
object.
(1) Ground-in foreign material or tattooing removal. Use a local anesthetic
and meticulous debridement with a sponge, scrub brush, or a tooth brush. Removing of
such material or a tattoo may cause permanent disfigurement. It may be impossible to
remove all pieces of ground-in foreign matter.
Removal of foreign bodies in fatty tissue. Follow this procedure:
(2)
(a) Make an elliptical incision surrounding the entrance of the wound.
(b) Grasp the skin of the ellipse loosely with an Allis forceps.
(c)
Undercut the incision until the foreign body is contacted.
(d) Remove the foreign body, skin, and entrance tract in one block.
MD0574
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