Necrotising fasciitis can develop in a surgical wound, such as a hysterectomy wound. It must be diagnosed and the tissue debrided as quickly as possible.
Surgery necrotising fasciitis infection
Anyone can get the necrotising fasciitis infection, even those who are completely fit and healthy.
However, it is more common amongst patients who have recently undergone surgery, particularly surgery involving the abdominal area or the peri-anal region. This includes a hysterectomy, which is when the uterus is surgically removed either via the abdomen or the vagina.
Hysterectomy necrotising fasciitis infection
But why might a hysterectomy lead to necrotising fasciitis?
The answer is that the skin normally protects the body against bacteria entering the subcutaneous tissues. Should anything break the integrity of the skin – such as a surgical cut – the defence will be compromised and bacteria can into the body through the wound.
There are more bacteria in the gut and the peri-anal region, so it is more likely that a surgical wound in these areas will become infected.
Signs of necrotising fasciitis after hysterectomy
A patient will feel unwell after a hysterectomy in any event. But if she develops necrotising fasciitis, she will become feverish. There will also be fluid oozing from the surgical site, be it from the perineum or the abdomen. It will be very painful and will emit a foul odour.
These are typical signs of post-operative infection and should be recognised by any reasonably competent nurse or doctor. This should lead to a patient being started on intravenous antibiotics.
Further tests can then be carried out to verify what infection is present. When necrotising fasciitis is confirmed, immediate surgical debridement must be performed.
Failing to spot necrotising fasciitis after hysterectomy
Unfortunately the necrotising fasciitis infection is not always diagnosed and treated in time. We have dealt with a case in which a woman developed necrotising fasciitis after a hysterectomy but a diagnosis was not made until three days after the operation.
By that point the patient needed three debridement operations and three months in hospital. She survived but was left with a deformed tummy.
Legal advice
Failing to identify necrotising fasciitis in a hysterectomy patient is unacceptable. If this has affected you or your loved one, you need to talk to a lawyer about your options. You could be entitled to pursue a medical compensation claim.
For more information on necrotising fasciitis claims, please get in touch with us today.
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