A necrotising fasciitis infection can start with a scratch or a graze but, if it is not diagnosed and treated as a matter of emergency, the victim can lose a limb before the condition is controlled.
The effects of necrotising fasciitis
The long-term effects of necrotising fasciitis can be utterly devastating. This destructive infection can destroy whole areas of body tissue, causing multiple organ failure and death within a few days if the signs are not spotted promptly.
An infection of the deep soft tissue, necrotising fasciitis favours the abdominal region of the body, the genital area and the limbs, although it can occur elsewhere.
As the infection establishes itself in the body’s soft tissue, it causes a necrotic reaction, bringing about the death of all the tissue it affects and quickly spreading to the next region.
Treating necrotising fasciitis
Antibiotics are rarely sufficient to bring a halt to this insidious illness and, unfortunately, patients are likely to require surgical removal of all infected tissue in order to survive.
Although this extreme form of treatment may save the patient’s life, its impact on the patient’s body can be almost as destructive as the damage caused by the infection itself.
It may require that a limb – or two – has to be amputated in order to prevent the further spread of the infection.
Delays in diagnosis
Therefore, in order to achieve the best possible long-term outcome, patients who are developing this shocking illness need to be diagnosed as quickly as possible, at as early a stage of the illness as possible and referred for immediate, emergency treatment.
There is a strong connection between a delay in treatment and, not only the patient’s chances of surviving, but the extent of invasive surgery which will be required to bring about that survival. The later treatment is commenced, the longer the patient is likely to have to remain in hospital and the more widespread their debridement surgery is likely to be.
Diagnosis
Certain groups are more susceptible to developing necrotising fasciitis than others. This includes people who are undergoing surgical procedures in hospital who will receive an incision to the skin, as well as those who are elderly or who already suffer with a weakened immune system.
Patients who require an extended stay in hospital are also vulnerable as the development of pressure sores can give the necrotising fasciitis bacteria an opportunity to enter the body.
Symptoms of infection in these patients require prompt investigation.
Medical negligence
A failure to recognise the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis leading to a delay in the necessary treatment may be cause for a compensation claim.
If you or a loved one are suffering with the appalling impact of necrotising fasciitis due to delayed diagnosis, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
We are here to help you, so please do call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.