Perforated colon cancer complicated by necrotizing soft tissue infection: A case report and literature review

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare but life-threatening complications of colorectal cancer, often overlooked during patient diagnosis and treatment. NSTIs progress rapidly, leading to significant tissue damage and elevated mortality rates. This report presents the case of a 71-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and distention, later diagnosed with perforated colon cancer and NSTI of the left abdominal wall. Following admission, the patient developed septic shock and acute kidney injury. Emergency surgery was performed, including radical resection of the colon cancer, proximal colostomy, and extensive debridement of necrotic tissue. Postoperatively, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) was used alongside standard treatments, contributing to a relatively rapid recovery. At the 30-month follow-up, no evidence of tumor recurrence was observed.