Necrotising fasciitis can have devastating effects if it is not treated in time. This can include both physical and psychological injuries.
Necrotising fasciitis long term effects
The long term effects of necrotising fasciitis will depend largely upon the site of infection. This is because necrotising fasciitis is a very aggressive infection that will destroy the surrounding tissue and muscle.
All of the dead tissue will have to be surgically removed if the condition is to be successfully treated. Therefore the patient will be left with a large wound at the site of the infection where the tissue has been cut away.
This wound can take a long time to heal. Many patients will require a long stay in hospital, and even when discharged will see a District Nurse every day to have their dressings changed.
Furthermore, the area where the tissue has been removed will suffer reduced function. In some cases so much tissue from a limb must be debrided that the surgeon has no choice but to carry out an amputation.
Other times the internal organs or sexual organs will be affected, resulting in permanent complications. This is particularly true of Fournier’s Gangrene, which is when necrotising fasciitis occurs in the male genitalia. This can leave a patient unable to resume sexual relations and in severe cases can even affect their ability to urinate, making a catheter necessary.
Psychological injuries
Necrotising fasciitis can also have a terrible psychological impact. Indeed, it is a potentially fatal condition and someone who has necrotising fasciitis will be gravely ill. Even if that person recovers, the memory of this near-death experience can be very painful.
Additionally, the sight of the defect can be upsetting for the individual concerned. This can lead to issues with appearance and self-esteem, adversely affecting intimate relationships.
Compensation for your injuries
If you have been left with long-term injuries as a result of necrotising fasciitis, you might be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. This will apply if your injuries could have been avoided or minimised with better medical care.
For example, if doctors failed to make a diagnosis when you first presented to hospital, the infection will spread to a larger area of tissue. Consequently more tissue will have to be debrided than if a prompt diagnosis had been achieved.
To find out if you can claim compensation for your injuries, please get in touch with us today.
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