Post-surgical infection can happen after any operation, although it is much more likely to arise after abdominal surgery. This includes procedures such as a hysterectomy, a caesarean section and gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy).
Abdominal surgery and post-operative infection
Infections that arise because of surgery are known medically as surgical site infections (SSIs). They can happen after any operation in which the skin has been broken. This is because bacteria will have the opportunity to enter the body and multiply, leading to an infection.
SSIs are more common after abdominal surgery because the gut is already full of bacteria. If the balance becomes disturbed in any way (either from the use of antibiotics or from new bacteria entering the body) the ‘good’ bacteria will be outnumbered by the ‘bad’ bacteria. The body will be unable to overcome the bad bacteria and an infection will ensue.
The risk of infection after abdominal surgery is increased if the patient is overweight, diabetic or has a compromised immune system.
Necrotising fasciitis after abdominal surgery
One of the most severe types of SSI is necrotising fasciitis. This is a rapidly progressive infection that attacks the tissue and underlying fascia (connective tissue).
If necrotising fasciitis develops after abdominal surgery, the patient will become very unwell with a fever. He/she will also report an excruciating abdominal pain that is unexpected, despite recent surgery. There will be clinical indicators that an infection is present, including a raised white blood cell count and low blood pressure.
By applying their medical knowledge, medical professionals should be able to recognise that a patient with these symptoms is suffering from a post-operative infection. Antibiotics should be administered and steps taken to determine the exact cause.
Failing to diagnose a post-operative infection
Infection after abdominal surgery is a widely acknowledged risk. Despite this, there are times when medical professionals fail to recognise that a patient has developed an infection, instead attributing their symptoms to the after-effects of surgery.
This will be extremely problematic where necrotising fasciitis is present as the bacteria will rapidly spread across the abdomen, attacking the tissue and causing it to become necrotic. This will lead to devastating complications as all the necrotic tissue will need to be surgically removed, leaving a significant defect across the abdomen. The infection may also spread to the blood, potentially causing multi-organ failure and death.
Necrotising fasciitis claims
Any reasonably competent medical professional should be able to make a timely diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis and appreciate the need for urgent treatment. If there is a failure to do so, there will be grounds for a necrotising fasciitis compensation claim. Contact us to find out more.
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