Necrotising fasciitis must be treated with surgical debridement, which means surgically removing the infected tissue. This is the only way to properly treat the condition.
Treating necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is when a certain type of bacteria gets into the body and reproduces. As they multiply, they release a toxin that kills the body’s tissue. When the tissue dies, it is said to be necrotic. If left untreated, the bacteria will continue to reproduce, causing the area of infection to spread further and further. Consequently, the area of necrotic tissue will become ever larger.
It is therefore vital the bacteria are prevented from reproducing any further, or the area of necrosis will become extensive. This will result in a large open wound and can also lead to sepsis, organ failure and death. These devastating consequences can happen extremely quickly, as it does not take long for the bacteria to spread and create a significant defect.
In order to stop the bacteria, medical professionals should administer a patient with antibiotics, as this will help to fight the infection. However, it will not remove the bacteria entirely, as the only way to do this is via surgical debridement. All of the infected tissue must be cut away from the body, something which may take a number of procedures. This is the only way to cure necrotising fasciitis and should be considered an emergency.
Failure to perform surgery
Removing the necrotic tissue will leave a disfigurement which may require further treatment in the form of skin grafts and plastic surgery. But if the condition is diagnosed and treated in time, the amount of tissue that will need to be excised will be limited. It is only if the condition is left untreated that the area of necrosis will be widespread, therefore necessitating extensive surgery.
Yet some patients are left with unsightly defects because medical professionals have failed to diagnose the necrotising fasciitis and carry out emergency debridement surgery in a timely fashion. This will be devastating, especially if a diagnosis could have been made earlier and the area of infection minimised.
If this happens, there may be a case of medical negligence as emergency surgery should be performed even if there is the slightest suspicion that necrotising fasciitis is present. This will ensure an early diagnosis and will limit the amount of tissue that must ultimately be removed.
Make a claim today
If you have been left disfigured because medical professionals did not diagnose and treat your necrotising fasciitis, speak to a solicitor about claiming compensation.
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