title: Necrotizing fasciitis in a postmastectomy wound.
abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening condition, characterized by progressive gangrene of the subcutaneous tissue with subsequent death of the overlying skin. It is associated with a high mortality rate. We describe a patient who developed this condition after elective mastectomy and survived. Necrotizing fasciitis is known to occur in any part of the body, including the breast, and also following any kind of surgery, however, to the best of our knowledge this condition has never been described after a mastectomy. The diagnosis and management algorithm of this condition is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, James Paget Healthcare NHS Trust, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, United Kingdom. velchuru@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Vamsi R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Velchuru
authors.forename: Marius
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Der Walt
authors.forename: Hugh G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Sturzaker
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*