Stingrays are found throughout the oceans of the world. Stingrays are not typically aggressive and the majority of envenomations are defensive in nature. Injuries typically involve the lower extremity if the animal is stepped upon or upper extremity if the animal is handled. Fatal injuries have been reported from chest trauma, which may result in perforation of the myocardium. Stingray envenomation occurs when a reflexive and forceful forward thrust of the caudal spine or spines of the animal impacts the victim, producing a puncture wound or laceration. The force of injection causes the integumentary sheath covering the spine to be driven into the wound, fragmenting and potentially releasing venom, mucus, pieces of the sheath, and spine fragments deep within the wound. Envenomation typically produces immediate and intense pain, edema, and bleeding. The initially dusky or cyanotic wound may progress to erythema, with rapid fat and muscle hemorrhage. Systemic symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, diaphoresis, muscle cramps, fasciculations, weakness, headache, vertigo, paralysis, seizures, hypotension, and syncope.
The wound should be irrigated immediately and primary exploration accomplished to remove any visible debris. Pain relief should be initiated early, and opiates may be needed. Stingray venom is made up of heat-labile polypeptides that may be inactivated by immersion in hot water (43°C-46°C [110°F-115°F]) for 30 to 90 minutes. After soaking, wounds should be formally explored, debrided, and dressed for delayed primary closure or primary closure with drainage. Surgical consultation may be warranted in certain injury locations. A radiograph should be obtained after debridment to rule out retained foreign body. Broad-spectrum antibiotics covering marine organisms are recommended. Patients can usually be discharged home after a 3- to 4-hour observation period if no systemic symptoms arise. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given if indicated.