This presentation explores the unique case of a patient who experienced a platypus sting on their hand, resulting in a brief hospital admission for a washout procedure. Platypus stings are rare and often unfamiliar to healthcare professionals, making this case particularly noteworthy. There are limited cases in literature of platypus envenomation, with one case report describing a necessary 6 day admission for pain refractory to opioids and regional anaesthesia (Fermer et al, 1992). Platypus venom is not directly toxic to humans, and the mechanism for refractory pain is not well understood. Our experience was distinct in the role of surgery in the patients care. The presentation briefly describes the physiology of platypus stings, and delves into the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and the management approach in this patients case. Due to zone of the injury and mechanism, and operative exploration and washout was performed. Unlike the case in literature, this patient had a 24 hour admission and was analgesia free at 2 weeks. While it is difficult to draw conclusions from case reports, this suggests that there could be a role for empiric washout in acute Platypus envenomation. In rare and unusual cases such as this, documentation of positive outcomes is particularly important as a reference point in future patient care. In completing an operation for an empiric indication for acute hand surgery, we present our experience an excellent patient functional result, with this very unique case. Platypus envenomation — a painful learning experience Peter J Fermer MRCGP. DRCOG, FACTM, John A Williamson BSc. DA(Melb) FANZCA. DipDHM. FACTM, David Myers BA. FFARACS