Necrotising fasciitis is an aggressive bacterial infection that can arise in any area of the body, including the anus.
Infected anus
When the anus becomes infected with necrotising fasciitis, the area around the anus will become swollen and red. There will also be some discolouration, with the tissue appearing grey and ‘dead’ in colour.
As the infection progresses, the smell around the anus will become increasingly worse as the tissue is effectively rotting. There will also be further discolouration, with the tissue turning purple and black in colour. The individual in question will also develop a fever.
Necrotising fasciitis is a very aggressive infection, so the bacteria will quickly spread. This means the area of infected tissue around the anus will rapidly get darker, bigger and smell strongly of rotten flesh.
What should a doctor do?
When a patient presents to a medical practitioner with these symptoms, an examination should be carried out. This should prompt immediate concerns, as the area will look and smell like dead tissue, rather than an ulcer. A smelly necrotic area inside the anus is very unusual and potentially life-threatening as it could be a focus for infection.
A doctor should therefore take immediate same day advice from the surgical team at the nearest hospital, recommending that the patient be admitted. Once in hospital, the surgical team should quickly determine whether or not necrotising fasciitis is present.
All the necrotic tissue must then be surgically removed. This is called debridement surgery. A patient may require more than one operation, depending upon how far the infection has spread. This can result in extensive debridement, meaning a patient is left with a wound extending into the buttocks, rectum and lower bowel.
Necrotising fasciitis complications
Such extensive debridement surgery can be very problematic. So much tissue may be removed that the bone of the leg/pelvis/coccyx is actually exposed. Function may also be reduced, particularly if parts of the rectum and lower bowel are excised, as this will necessitate a colostomy.
These complications will of course be extremely upsetting for the patient and their loved ones. It can be difficult to come to terms with the aftermath of necrotising fasciitis, an infection which often leads to devastating consequences for the patient.
Necrotising fasciitis and medical negligence
Dealing with these complications will be all the more difficult if earlier medical intervention could have ensured a better outcome. If this is something that has affected you, you should speak to a solicitor about your options. If your complications have been caused by substandard medical care, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.
