Abstract

The so-called “cut-and-suction” treatment when used on venomous stings is not very effective. This fact we learned at an early date in our experiences with poisoning caused by the two lethal scorpions of the Southwest, i.e., Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing and C. gertschi Stahnke. During a twenty year period in Arizona, these two animals were responsible for more than twice as many deaths as all other venomous animals put together, including rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, Gila monsters, and venomous insects (Stahnke, 1949). In our first observations on the effect of rattlesnake venom, we were shocked at the suffering that patients had to undergo even though the best known treatments were administered. Out of these experiences grew the treatment now known as the L-C method, i.e., ligature and cryotherapy.

In treating a patient for venom poisoning two forces must be taken into consideration, the chemical effect of the toxin on the animal tissue and the bacterial action of bacteria possibly introduced by the bite or sting.