If necrotising fasciitis (necrotizing fasciitis) is not treated immediately, the infection will spread throughout the body.
Does necrotizing fasciitis spread?
Necrotising fasciitis is a type of bacterial infection. It happens when certain bacteria get into the body and begin to reproduce. This causes the release of poisonous chemicals, leading to the breakdown of tissues. The supply of blood and oxygen will be disrupted, quickly resulting in tissue necrosis (death).
As the bacteria multiply, they will create an ever increasing area of infected tissue. Within a matter of hours a significant area of tissue can be affected. For example, if the infection first appears in the leg, the bacteria can quickly spread the length of the limb, making an amputation necessary.
As well as spreading throughout the body’s tissues, the bacteria may also reach the bloodstream. Once this happens the infection will travel across the body in the blood. The immune system will try to fight off the infection, but this in turn will lead to widespread inflammation and clotting. This is called sepsis.
Sepsis is a potentially deadly condition that can lead to multi-organ failure. It is therefore important to treat necrotising fasciitis before the infection reaches the bloodstream, or a patient may not survive.
How to stop the spread of necrotising fasciitis
The only way to stop necrotising fasciitis spreading across the body is to provide immediate treatment. This should involve intravenous antibiotics and, most importantly, debridement surgery. Debridement surgery is when all the infected tissue is surgically cut away. This is the only way to halt the spread of the infection and rid the body of bacteria.
Surgical treatment must be carried out in the early stages of the infection, before the bacteria has spread to a large area of tissue/the bloodstream. Otherwise a patient will be at risk of developing potentially fatal complications.
If there is a failure to provide immediate treatment because of medical mistakes, the level of care will be deemed substandard. If this allows the bacteria to spread, leaving the patient to suffer serious complications, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or your loved one experienced substandard medical care for necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in necrotising fasciitis claims and will be able to provide you with expert legal advice. If we believe there is a case to be answered, we will help you pursue a claim for compensation.
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