Necrotizing Fasciitis of Lower Limb: A Surgical Emergency

Necrotizing Fasciitis of Lower Limb: A Surgical Emergency

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mortality in patients presenting with Necrotizing Fasciitis.Methods: In this descriptive study, patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis were included.After resuscitation, the patients underwent emergency exploration and aggressive surgical debridement.

Post-operatively, the patients were managed with General Health broad spectrum antibiotics and serial debridements.Patients who recovered with extensive skin loss underwent skin grafting subsequently with follow-up for 6 months to assess morbidity.Results: Twenty patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis were admitted during study period.

Mean age was 57.4 years.Fever, painful swelling, redness, presence of bullae/blistering, skin necrosis and foul smelling discharge were the main clinical findings.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was the commonest predisposing factor.Sepsis (70%) was the commonest complication.The overall mortality rate was 30% however the most common cause of death was acute Myocardial Infarction (MI).

Partial IEC Power Plug thickness skin grafting was required in 50%.Muscle contractures were noted in 40% patients.Conclusion: Necrotizing Fasciitis, a rare but life threatening condition carries a definite mortality rate.

The risk factors for mortality are missed diagnosis, old age, diabetes mellitus and late presentation.