Evaluation and comparison of tick detachment techniques and technical mistakes made during tick removal

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tick is among the important ectoparasites of humans and animals. Ticks may transmit disease-causing pathogens to humans. Tick contact may be resulted in several viral and bacterial infections, including Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever. Timely removal of ticks with appropriate methods is important in prevention of disease transmission. There are many methods reported for tick detachment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate two of them, suture lassoing and freezing and to compare both methods and to examine technical mistakes with these techniques. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective cross-sectional study, and included the ticks detached by healthcare professionals or directly by patients who presented to the emergency department due to tick contact. The ticks were recorded as larvae, nymphs, and adults according to their growth period. Ticks detachment types with surgical sutures and removal mistakes were recorded. RESULTS: The majority (77.4%) of the ticks were removed by healthcare professionals and a lower rate by patients themselves with hand (22.6%). No technical mistake was found in 72 (77.4%) patients, and the tick was detached as a whole, while detached broken in 15 (16.1%) patients, and the tick was detached as a whole, but the sutures were attached wrong in six (6.5%) patients. Tick broken off due to technical mistakes was most commonly seen in the ticks removed by the individuals themselves. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that when appropriately and correctly used, both suture lassoing and tweezers are effective in tick removal. Public awareness-raising and training programs should be increased on this issue. © 2020, Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. All rights reserved.