If you have been left incontinent of faeces because of necrotising fasciitis, can you make a claim?
Necrotising fasciitis and faecal incontinence
Necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection that causes tissue death. It happens when a certain type of bacteria enter the body and begin to reproduce. This means it can develop in any part of the body, although the peri-anal region and the abdomen are most commonly affected.
If not treated in time, the area of tissue necrosis will spread. This will cause terrible damage and will make a patient seriously ill. If a patient does survive, he or she may be left permanent complications due to the extent of tissue damage. The nature of these complications will depend upon the site of infection.
For example, if the anal sphincter and/or rectum are affected, a patient may be unable to control defecation, resulting in episodes of incontinence. Or if the bowel is damaged, a patient may not be able to pass faeces very easily.
Ileostomy after necrotising fasciitis
If a patient is left incontinent after necrotising fasciitis, medical professionals may decide to perform an ileostomy procedure. This is when the small intestine is detached from the large intestine and passed through a tiny hole in tummy. The small intestine is attached to a stoma bag located on the outside of the abdomen. The bag collects faeces and can be emptied when full.
If a patient does require an ileostomy after necrotising fasciitis, it is likely that a large area of tissue has become necrotic. Questions must therefore be asked as to why the condition was not treated earlier. If treatment was delayed because a patient did not seek medical attention in time, the standard of care will not be called into question. However, it treatment was delayed because of medical error, the standard of care will be deemed unacceptable.
Claiming compensation for necrotising fasciitis
If you have been left incontinent because of necrotising fasciitis, you need to find out what options are open to you. If you have suffered complications because of substandard medical care, you will be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. A medical negligence solicitor will be able to advise you further, suggesting whether or not you can take legal action for the damages you have incurred.
For more information on making a medical negligence claim for necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with us today.
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