We have dealt with a number of cases in which a patient developed necrotising fasciitis from a negligently managed rectal abscess. If this has happened to you, please get in touch with us to discuss your case with a solicitor.
Rectal abscess and necrotising fasciitis
An ischio-rectal abscess usually occurs as an extension of infection of a peri-anal gland which leads to an abscess in the intersphincteric plane (the plane between the internal and external anal sphincters).
Progression of the abscess can lead to infection travelling via these channels or lymphatic glands through the external sphincter into the ischio-rectal fossa, which is a fat filled space in the lower part of the buttock. Infection in this area can lead to a build-up of large amounts of pus and is extremely painful.
If the infection is not treated with surgical drainage, it is possible that a secondary infection will occur. Necrotising fasciitis is one such infection, as it is a well-recognised although uncommon complication of untreated rectal abscesses.
Preventing necrotising fasciitis
The only way to prevent a rectal abscess leading to necrotising fasciitis is to diagnose and drain the abscess in the early stages. This is dependent upon medical practitioners recognising the signs and symptoms of a rectal abscess.
The classic history of a rectal abscess is of pain in the buttock associated with discomfort and not being able to sit. However, examination in the early stages may not reveal much on external inspection of the buttock as the ischio-rectal fossa lies quite deeply. Rectal examination is therefore mandatory, and this should reveal a swelling along the side of the ischio-rectal fossa.
If this course of action is taken, it is likely that an ischio-rectal abscess will be diagnosed. A patient should subsequently undergo surgical drainage under general anaesthetic. In approximately 50% of cases, the wound will heal without complication. However, the other 50% of patients will be left with an anal fistula, which is when there is a communication between the anal gland and the skin. This will require further surgery.
Nevertheless, early treatment of a rectal abscess will ensure that necrotising fasciitis is prevented.
Failure to treat a rectal abscess
There are times when medical practitioners fail to treat a rectal abscess – either due to a missed diagnosed or because they do not believe the abscess warrants surgical drainage. If this causes a patient to develop necrotising fasciitis, there may be grounds for a claim. Contact us today for more information.
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