Necrotizing fasciitis: act fast and act together.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and potentially fatal infection of the soft tissues characterized by widespread fascial necrosis and rapid evolution. Diagnosis is often difficult and relies on a high index of suspicion. The approach to this disease requires a timely diagnosis, early antibiotic therapy, aggressive surgical debridement, and reconstructive procedures. All patients treated by the Plastic Surgery department with the diagnosis of NF between 2006-2019 were identified. A retrospective study was conducted with the treatment of patients' demographic and clinical data. Sixty patients with NF who underwent surgical procedures by Plastic Surgery, such as debridement and reconstruction with grafts and flaps, were identified. Up to a third of patients died from complications directly related to the disease. There was 40% complication rate. The average hospital stay was 34.5 days. Plastic surgeons often collaborate in the management of these patients and must recognize the clinical signs early. Early multidisciplinary collaboration is important. The establishment of supportive measures, antibiotics and early surgical debridements are the key to the treatment of this disease.