Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

Necrotising fasciitis

Publication details

Miss Helen Ewan, Dr Michelle Thornton
Foundation Years Journal, volume 9, issue 7, p.28 (123Doc Education, London, July 2015)

Abstract

Necrotising fasciitis is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that can be a diagnostic challenge due to a lack of specific signs. An awareness of the clinical features and diagnosis are vital for foundation doctors who are often the first doctor to assess patients being admitted to hospital. Early diagnosis through having a high index of suspicion and early surgical debridement of necrotic tissues are key and can be life saving. This case based discussion will highlight these aspects in detail to give the reader more confidence in managing these uncommon but difficult cases.

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Authors

Miss Helen Ewan (Corresponding author)

Department of General Surgery, Wishaw General Hospital
50 Netherton Street, Wishaw, ML2 0DP
helen.ewan@nhs.net

Dr Michelle Thornton

Department of General Surgery, Wishaw General Hospital
50 Netherton Street, Wishaw, ML2 0DP
michelle.thornton@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

References

1. Vayvada H, Demirdover C, Menderes A et al. Necrotising fasciitis in the central part of the body: diagnosis, management and review of the literature. Int Wound J 2013; 10: 466–472.
2. Sultan H, Boyle A, Sheppard N. Necrotising fasciits. BMJ 2012; 345: e4274.
3. Goh T, Goh L, Ang C et al. Early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. BJS 2014; 101 e119-e125.
4. Swain R, Hatcher J, Azadian B et al. A five-year review of necrotising fasciitis in a tertiary referral unit. Ann R Coll Surg Eng 2013; 95: 57-60.

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Conflict Of Interest

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About the Clinical Cases Database

T​he Foundation Years Clinical Cases Database is​ a selection of 600 peer-reviewed clinical cases in the field of patient safety and clinical practice, specifically focused on the clinical information needs of junior doctors, based around the Foundation Year Curriculum programme (MMC). The cases have been chosen to align with the Foundation Year Curriculum.

The database is fully searchable, or can be browsed by medical specialty. Abstracts can be read free of charge, however a subscription is required in order to read the complete cases.