People who might be susceptible to developing necrotising fasciitis may be particularly vulnerable when undergoing invasive surgery.
Contracting necrotising fasciitis
This life-threatening infection of the body’s deep tissue is usually contracted through an open wound which allows the bacteria to gain access to the interior of the body.
Consequently, anyone undergoing a surgical procedure is at risk of developing the condition. A swift-moving infection which destroys the body’s tissue, it can cause havoc and destruction through the body, threatening the life of the patient within days.
The bacteria responsible for necrotising fasciitis can enter the body through even the smallest of wounds such as a graze or injection site. A larger wound, such as a surgical incision is clearly also a risk. Patients undergoing surgery may require prophylactic antibiotics to try to prevent infection and will require close monitoring for signs of infection after surgery is completed.
At-risk groups
Specific groups are more susceptible to the necrotising fasciitis infection and signs or symptoms of infection should warrant immediate investigation in these cases:
- The elderly
- Patients with cardiovascular disorders
- Patients with diabetes
- Patients who are significantly overweight
Necrotising fasciitis most frequently affects the abdominal region or the limbs and has been associated with a variety of surgical procedures such as hernia repairs, bowel surgery, removal of the appendix, kidney and gallbladder surgery and hysterectomies.
Monitoring for signs of the infection
Patients who acquire necrotising fasciitis through a wound may be alerted to the presence of the infection through symptoms associated with the wound area itself:
- Intense and disproportionate pain in the region of the wound
- Redness around the wound
- Swelling and tenderness in the rea of the wound
- There may also be blistering and changes to the skin colour in the region of the wound
More general signs of illness are likely to develop very quickly such as a high temperature or chills and a fast heartbeat.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
An early diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis gives the patient the best chance of survival with minimal physical impact.
In at-risk groups who have undergone surgery, close monitoring of their condition after surgery should ensure that any signs of necrotising fasciitis are noticed promptly.
A failure to recognise the early symptoms of the shocking condition might be considered to represent a very poor standard of medical care.
Medical negligence
If you or a loved one have suffered the appalling long-term impact of necrotising fasciitis, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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