All surgical procedures carry the risk of a post-operative infection. For some, the type of infection they suffer will be necrotising fasciitis – an aggressive flesh-eating disease.
In this article we look at necrotising fasciitis in more detail, explaining how it can arise as a post-operative infection and what action must be taken.
Post-operative infections
A post-operative infection can also be called a surgical site infection (SSI).
The skin is a natural defence against bacteria entering the body. So when the skin is cut open during an operation, it gives bacteria the chance to get inside the body. The bacteria may be on a surgical instrument, on a healthcare professional, in the air or already on/inside the body.
The bacteria will then lead to an infection. This can affect the area of skin where the incision was made, the muscle/tissue/connective tissue that lies just underneath the incision site, or an organ/area that was involved in the surgery.
Necrotising fasciitis post-operative infection
There are many different types of bacteria. The type of bacteria that get into the body will determine which infection the patient develops. Necrotising fasciitis is normally caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria, although there are other organisms that lead to the condition.
If the patient is infected with necrotising fasciitis bacteria, he/she will soon begin to show symptoms. Upon coming round from the anaesthetic, the patient will begin to feel feverish. There will also be an intense pain at the site of infection, and skin that is red and hot to touch.
Diagnosing post-operative infection
These symptoms can be overlooked after an operation, as medical practitioners may advise that pain is normal at the site of infection. However, clinicians should not ignore the fact that a patient had a fever. This is indicative of a post-operative infection and the surgical site should be inspected for abnormalities.
Necrotising fasciitis causes the skin to change colour, from dark red to purple. There may also be pus-filled blisters. Healthcare professionals should note these skin changes, along with the patient’s fever, and conclude that a post-operative infection is present. This can be confirmed with blood tests.
What treatment is needed?
Once necrotising fasciitis is diagnosed, no time should be wasted in getting the patient back to theatre. The infected tissue must be surgically cut away. The sooner the operation is performed, the smaller the area of infection will be, and less tissue will have to be removed.
Any delay could mean that the infection spreads to a large area, meaning that when surgery is finally performed the patient is left with a large defect. If this delay is the fault of medical practitioners, there could be grounds for a compensation claim. Contact us today for more information.
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