Necrotising fasciitis is a potentially deadly infection. If a patient does survive, their long-term prognosis is good, although it is likely that any scarring and loss of function will be permanent.
Surviving necrotising fasciitis
For a patient to survive necrotising fasciitis, treatment must be provided shortly after the onset of symptoms. This treatment must involve the intravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and, most importantly, the surgical debridement of all the infected tissue. This must be carried out at the earliest available opportunity, as fatal complications can occur within days.
With timely treatment, a patient can overcome the infection and make a full recovery. However, it is likely that a patient will be critically unwell at times, and may need to spend time on the Intensive Care Unit or High Dependency Unit. The recovery process may also be prolonged, particularly if a large area of tissue has been removed.
Long-term symptoms
As long as all the necrotic tissue is surgically debrided, the patient will be free of infection. This means the infection should not recur.
Nevertheless, necrotising fasciitis can leave ongoing problems which may not improve with time. This happens because necrotising fasciitis is an aggressive infection that kills the surrounding tissue. Unless treatment is given, the bacteria will spread and more tissue will die.
Depending upon the original site of infection, this loss of tissue can result in physical dysfunction. For example, if the lower limb is infected, so much tissue may be infected that an amputation is required. Or if an internal organ such as the bowel is infected, part of the bowel may have to be removed a colostomy needed.
There will also be significant scarring where the tissue has been surgically debrided. Although skin grafts and other plastic surgery techniques may help to improve the aesthetic appearance, the tissue will never fully recover and the defect will be permanent.
Long-term prognosis
Therefore once a patient has overcome the infection, their long-term prognosis for survival is good. Yet it is highly possible that a patient will be left with a loss of function and terrible scarring.
On the other hand, if a patient is not treated in a timely fashion and the infection spreads, serious complications will arise, including wide-spread tissue necrosis and sepsis. These complications can be fatal.
Delayed treatment
If your loved one has died due to a delay in necrotising fasciitis treatment, there may be a case of medical negligence. Contact us today to find out more.
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