[Necrotizing fasciitis of the upper leg--case report and review of the literature].
Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but serious infection of skin, subcutaneous fat and fascia, characterised by rapidly spreading inflammation and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. A 42-year-old man, with necrotizing fasciitis of the right upper leg, was hospitalized and treated by surgical debridement, along with intravenous administration of antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, correction of acidosis and electrolyte abnormalities. Four debridements were performed over four days. The patient developed septic shock with early stage of multiple organ failure, requiring one week in intensive care unit (ICU). Split-thickness skin grafts were placed on the fourth day after admission to the hospital. The patient was released to home care on the 21st day after admission, fully recovered. Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening infectious entity that requires rapid diagnosis, urgent extensive surgical debridement and tissue coverage as soon as possible to prevent secondary infections. ICU measures including intravenous antibiotics are often necessary, along with surgical treatment.
Martić
Kresimir
K
Odjel za plasticnu, rekonstrukcijsku i estetsku kirurgiju, Klinika za kirurgiju, KB Dubrava, Zagreb. kmartic@kbd.hr
Busić
Zeljko
Z
Budi
Srećko
S
Cavka
Vlatka
V
Cavka
Mislav
M
D000328:Adult; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male