Abstract

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is uncommon disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. The infection process rapidly spreads along the deep fascia and can result in septic shock. The condition requires immediate medical attention and emergency surgical debridement of infected tissues and appropriate antibiotics.
Case Report: A 46-year-old man presented with left lower limb pain and swelling, knee stiffness and fever for 2 days. The patient subsequently developed fulminant necrotizing fasciitis. The broadspectrum antibiotics have been introduced. Due to hemodynamic instability and ongoing septic shock he was intubated and transferred to intensive care unit. We performed extensive repeated debridements of necrotic tissues. After one week patient’s condition stabilized and the infection was finally controlled. Two weeks later the wounds healed well, although split skin grafts were necessary.
Conclusions: A delay in early recognition of necrotizing fasciitis and aggressive treatment is associated with a poor prognosis and an increased mortality. The priority in each case is to perform repeated thorough surgical debridement, which can prevent patient from amputation of the extremity or fatal outcome.

Keywords: necrotizing fasciitis, Surgery, Debridement, limb