Shark bites in New Caledonia: A retrospective study of 22 hospitalized cases and surgical management.

Abstract

Although rare, shark bites can cause complex injuries requiring specialized management. This study aims to describe the surgical and medical management of shark bite injuries in New Caledonia. A retrospective, descriptive, single-center study including 22 patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2023. Demographic data, attack context, injury types, surgical treatments, infectious complications, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. The median age was 33.5 years (IQR 15); 82 % were male. Spearfishing was the most common context (32 %). Injuries predominantly affected limbs, with musculoskeletal damage (82 %), nerve injuries (32 %), vascular injuries (27 %), and fractures (18 %). Infectious complications were rare (9 %), but identified pathogens were polymicrobial and marine-derived. The median hospital stay was 5 days (IQR 6, range 1-50 days). Shark bites require rapid, specialized surgical care. Local organization enabled effective management. Empirical antibiotic therapy should cover marine pathogens. IV.