Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis can be extremely problematic. However, an early diagnosis is vital if the patient is to avoid long-term physical impact and possible death.
The impact of a delayed diagnosis
A delay in diagnosing necrotising fasciitis can lead to a number of problems:
- The infection will have spread further through the body’s deep soft tissue thereby causing more damage prior to the start of treatment
- The patient is likely to need more extensive debridement surgery, causing more physical trauma and deformities
- There is a greater possibility that the patient will require an amputation if the condition is affecting a limb
- The subsequent cosmetic surgery necessary to repair the damage caused by the condition and the associated debridement is likely to be more extensive also
- The patient is more likely to suffer the onset of multiple organ failure
- Long-term symptoms are likely to be more significant such as incontinence
- Scarring and tissue loss is likely to be considerably greater
- The patient is likely to need a longer period of life-support in an intensive care unit
- The patient is more likely to die
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis
Early indications that someone may be developing the condition are as follows:
- The presence of a cut or wound to the skin where bacteria may have gained access to the subcutaneous tissue
- Intense, disproportionate pain in the area of the cut
- Tenderness and swelling in the area of the cut
- Redness of the affected area
The patient may also be experiencing symptoms suggestive of an infection such as a high temperature, chills and a fast heartbeat.
Patients presenting with this combination of symptoms should merit further investigation to eliminate the possibility of a diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis.
Problems of diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
Making an early diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis can be difficult, however, for a number of reasons:
- The condition is fairly rare and may be considered as an unlikely diagnosis by medical practitioners
- Symptoms of an infection may well indicate other, less threatening, infections rather than necrotising fasciitis
- It may be confused with a diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis or cellulitis
- Necrotising fasciitis can develop further to internal disorders such as a perforated bowel and so an exterior injury is not always visible
Accurate diagnosis
Nonetheless, an early diagnosis is crucial as the patient can otherwise deteriorate rapidly.
Patients already in hospital undergoing surgery, especially those who are susceptible to necrotising fasciitis such as patients with diabetes, and who start to develop the associated symptoms should be assessed for the condition.
Patients with complicated abdominal conditions with associated symptoms should be assessed for necrotising fasciitis.
Medical Negligence
A failure to diagnose necrotising fasciitis can produce a lifetime of disability and psychological trauma.
If you or a loved one are suffering the impact of a delay in diagnosis of this appalling condition, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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