Perforated carcinoma of the caecum presenting as necrotising fasciitis of the abdominal wall, the key to early diagnosis and management.
BACKGROUND
Necrotising Fasciitis is a life threatening soft tissue infection which requires aggressive, early surgical management.


METHODS
We present a rare case of a retroperitoneal perforation of a carcinoma of the caecum presenting as a necrotising fasciitis of the anterior abdominal wall.


CONCLUSIONS
This case highlights the importance of early aggressive debridement to healthy tissue limits, the consideration of a rare underlying cause, and the scope for plastic surgical reconstruction in order that aggressive initial surgery can be adequately performed.
Marron
Conor D
CD
Department of Surgery, Ulster Hospital Dundonald, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT16 1RH, Northern Ireland, UK. cdmarron@mac.com
McArdle
Gerarde T
GT
Rao
Milind
M
Sinclair
Stephen
S
Moorehead
John
J
D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery; D002430:Cecal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D003082:Colectomy; D003646:Debridement; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps