If your necrotising fasciitis was not diagnosed and treated after gynaecological surgery, you could be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured. Contact a medical negligence solicitor to find out more.
Necrotising fasciitis after gynaecological surgery
Necrotising fasciitis is an unusual complication of gynaecological surgery although more common in the obese and diabetic patients. It may result from trivial skin trauma or complex surgery such as hysterectomy or vulvectomy.
Necrotising fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that can affect any part of the body. However, the perineum, vagina and abdominal area are more at risk, as the organisms that cause necrotising fasciitis naturally inhabit these parts of the body.
If a patient is thought to be at risk of developing an infection after gynaecological surgery, she may be administered with intravenous antibiotics before the operation. Nevertheless, the single dose is not usually enough to prevent necrotising fasciitis, which is an aggressive infection.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis after gynae surgery
If a patient does develop necrotising fasciitis after a gynaecology procedure, it is essential medical practitioners promptly diagnose and treat the condition. This is because the bacteria will quickly cause the tissue to break down and die, leaving an open wound in its place. The bacteria will spread very rapidly, meaning the area of necrotic tissue will grow, making a patient very unwell.
A diagnosis depends upon medical practitioners recognising the onset of certain symptoms after the operation. A patient will normally have a wound that is smelly, blistered and releasing discharge and a fever. The area will also be very painful. These symptoms indicate an infection, and this can be confirmed with blood cultures which will show a high white cell count a high CRP.
Failing to diagnose necrotising fasciitis after surgery
If medical practitioners fail to note the onset of necrotising fasciitis symptoms, or fail to recognise the significance of a patient’s symptoms, the standard of care will be deemed unacceptable. If this causes a patient to suffer necrotising fasciitis complications, there may be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim.
If this has affected you or your loved one, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in necrotising fasciitis claims and will be able to advise you upon the options available to you. If we suspect there is a case that needs answering, we will pursue a claim on your behalf, obtaining the compensation you deserve.
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