Use of a faecal shunt system in an orthopaedic surgery unit in a patient with a necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal region

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe infection of the subcutaneous tissue, with a higher mortality if treatment is not adequate. Nursing care can be fundamental in obtaining a good outcome of the healing process. We present a case of an 80 year-old diabetic patient admitted to our orthopaedic surgery unit as consequence of a screw displacement in her hip. She was operated on and had to be immobilized during the postsurgical period. Measures were applied to prevent bed sores in the sacral region. Despite these measures the patient developed a pressure sore that became infected, progressing to a necrotizing fasciitis of perineal and bulbar region, which required surgical curettage. Due to contact and exposure to faecal material it was decided to use a faecal shunt system. The number and difficulty of the wound treatments decreased using this system, which had significant advantages for the patient and nurses and for a favourable outcome of the wound. Employing faecal shunt systems could be useful when they are used earlier in patients immobilized due to orthopaedic surgery, with bowel movement changes and bed sore wounds.     

Vibrio vulnificus infection: diagnosis and treatment

Vibrio vulnificus infection is the leading cause of death related to seafood consumption in the United States. This virulent, gram-negative bacterium causes two distinct syndromes. The first is an overwhelming primary septicemia caused by consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly raw oysters. The second is a necrotizing wound infection acquired when an open wound is exposed to warm seawater with high concentrations of V. vulnificus. Most patients, including those with primary infection, develop sepsis and severe cellulitis with rapid development to ecchymoses and bullae. In severe cases, necrotizing fasciitis can develop. Case-fatality rates are greater than 50 percent for primary septicemia and about 15 percent for wound infections. Treatment of V vulnificus infection includes antibiotics, aggressive wound therapy, and supportive care. Most patients who acquire the infection have at least one predisposing immunocompromising condition. Physician awareness of risk factors for V. vulnificus infection combined with prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes. (Am Fam Physic     

Salvage of limb and function in necrotizing fasciitis of the hand: role of hyperbaric oxygen treatment and free muscle flap coverage

We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the hand treated by urgent debridement followed by serial debridements, hyperbaric oxygen, and delayed free muscle flap coverage. After control of the infection, a major soft-tissue defect remained on the dorsum of the wrist and hand, exposing all extensor tendons. A rectus muscle free flap was used for wound coverage and salvage of the exposed tendons; the muscle flap was covered with a delayed skin graft. The patient regained satisfactory function with ability to extend all digits. This case emphasizes the importance of aggressive debridement and hyperbaric oxygen treatment and shows the valuable role of free muscle flap wound coverage for preservation of function in cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the hand.     

Community-acquired necrotizing fasciitis caused by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus: A case report and literature review

A 61-year-old man presented with pain in the abdomen and right lower limb. He had a history of hepatitis B virus-induced liver cirrhosis, but had not been visiting the outpatient clinic and did not receive any medication. Cutaneous necrosis and bulla were observed on his abdomen and right lower limb. The necrotic skin was incised, and he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. A nonfermentative Gram-negative bacillus infection was confirmed from aspirated fluid and blood cultures. Therefore, meropenem and immunoglobulins were administered. Because necrosis was widespread, surgical debridement was performed. Thereafter, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus infection was confirmed by semi-quantitative PCR using the bullous fluid and blood cultures. Meropenem was administered for 3 weeks, followed by levofloxacin alone for 1 week. The patient's condition improved; therefore, skin grafting was performed as planned and yielded a favorable response. After rehabilitation, the patient could walk without support and infection did not recur. However, he had severe liver cirrhosis and large esophageal varices, and he eventually died from sudden varix rupture.Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon soft tissue infection, associated with high morbidity and mortality, and early recognition and treatment are crucial for survival. Acinetobacter is rarely associated with necrotizing fasciitis. Although this is a very rare case of the occurrence of necrotizing fasciitis due to A. calcoaceticus infection, we believe that this organism can be pathogenic in immunocompromised patients such as those with liver cirrhosis by reporting this case.     

负压封闭引流技术治疗糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎的护理

目的探讨应用负压封闭引流技术(vacuum sealing drainage,VSD)治疗糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎的护理。方法对我科收治的13例2型糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎患者应用VSD治疗,探讨应用VSD治疗2型糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎患者的护理对策及其方法。结果 VSD治疗坏死性筋膜炎创面有较好的效果,可以促进创面肉芽组织生长,防止创面感染加重,减轻创面渗出,创面一期手术植皮均成活。12例患者创面全部愈合后出院;1例患者因坏死性筋膜炎创面较大,治疗过程中因并发大面积脑梗死而病死。结论 VSD治疗糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎患者的效果较好,值得推广。     

Early diagnosis of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis

OBJECTIVE: To report survival of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis in an inmunocompromised patient and to demonstrate early clinical signs that may help in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of this severe infection. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. SETTING: An adult, 18-bed intensive care unit within a university hospital. PATIENT: A 38-yr-old man who had undergone an uncomplicated closed hemorrhoidectomy was readmitted to the hospital on postoperative day 5 for erythema around the hemorrhoidectomy and a dirty brown discharge from the wound. INTERVENTIONS: Early diagnosis of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis, wide and repeated debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and eventual abdominal wall reconstruction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: This patient manifested periumbilical and bilateral flank erythema, reminiscent of the pattern of ecchymosis seen in cases of retroperitoneal hemorrhage. The findings demonstrate a variation of Cullen's and Grey Turner's sign, most often found in patients with hemorrhagic pancreatitis. An abdominal radiograph revealed a ground glass appearance with radiolucency outlining the bladder, consistent with retroperitoneal air. The chest radiograph showed mediastinal air extending into the neck. Sharp debridement of the retroperitoneal fat, the right anterior rectus sheath, and the right anterior thigh fascia was required to gain control of the infection. Operative cultures grew a mixed flora with Eschericha coli, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and Bacteroides fragilis predominating. The hospital course was complicated by hemodynamic instability, renal failure, pneumonia, and a pelvic abscess. The patient ultimately survived and underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon soft tissue infection that is often fatal. Early diagnosis in this case was facilitated by the unique clinical findings of a modified Cullen's and Grey Turner's sign. A review of the limited available literature suggests that survival of retroperitoneal fasciitis is possible with prompt debridement and antibiotic therapy.     

Burn center management of necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive soft-tissue infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Necrotizing fasciitis is similar to invasive burn wound infection in that diagnosis requires histologic examination of affected tissue and treatment requires aggressive surgical debridement followed by skin autograft. Transfer to a burn center facilitates the management of necrotizing fasciitis, where requisite surgical and nursing expertise is available. We reviewed the experience of one burn center in the management of necrotizing fasciitis over a 5-year period. Ten patients were transferred to the burn center from other medical facilities for care, arriving a mean of 8.9 days after initial hospital admission. The diagnosis was made by a surgical service or consultation before transfer in all cases; initial admission to a medical rather than a surgical service delayed surgery in five cases. All patients had surgical debridement before transfer but required a mean of 5.1 additional operations at the burn center. Although the mean extent of involvement was 14.8% body surface area, the mean length of burn center stay was 34.9 days. Complications were frequent, including pulmonary failure requiring mechanical ventilation (n = 6), renal insufficiency or failure (n = 5), hypotension requiring pressers (n = 4), deep venous thrombosis (n = 3), and pulmonary emboli (n = 1). Overall mortality was 2 of 10 patients (20%). Both fatalities were associated with delay in initial surgical procedure and in transfer to the burn center. The similarity of necrotizing fasciitis and invasive burn wound infection makes the burn center the ideal setting for the treatment of this disease. We advocate the addition of necrotizing fasciitis to the list of conditions currently recognized by the American Burn Association as appropriate for burn center transfer and care.     

Necrotizing fasciitis of cryptoglandular infection treated with multiple incisions and thread-dragging therapy: A case report

BACKGROUNDNecrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant necrotizing soft tissue disease with a high fatality rate. It always starts with impact on the deep fascia rapidly and might result in secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle. Thus, timely and multiple surgical operations are needed for the treatment. Meanwhile, the damage of skin and soft tissue caused by multiple surgical operations may require dermatoplasty and other treatments as a consequence. CASE SUMMARYHere, we report a case of 50-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis caused by cryptoglandular infection in the perianal and perineal region. The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis, also known as the cardinal features, include hyperpyrexia, excruciatingly painful lesions, demonstration gas in the tissue, an obnoxious foul odor and uroschesis. The results of postoperative pathology met the diagnosis. Based on the premise of complete debridement, multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy (a traditional Chinese medicine therapy) and intensive supportive therapies including comprising antibiotics, nutrition and fluids were given. The outcome of the treatment was satisfactory. The patient recovered quickly and achieved ideal anal function and morphology. CONCLUSIONTimely and effective debridement and multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy are an integrated treatment for necrotizing fasciitis.     

Sonographic findings of necrotizing fasciitis in the breast

Necrotizsing fasciitis is a rapidly developing, fatal bacterial infection of deep subcutaneous tissues. It may occur at any site in the body. We describe a case of necrotizing fasciitis in the breast that was diagnosed on the basis of sonographic findings. Sonographic examination revealed fluid collection in deep tissues with bright echoes likely to represent gas microbubbles. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was subsequently confirmed on surgical exploration.     

Emergency amputation necessitated within 24 hours by a human bite: a case report

We herein review and analyze the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a severe infection caused by a human bite. A 68-year-old man was bitten on the forearm by a 3-year-old child. Rapid progression of infection, severe local and systemic poisoning, and diverse clinical manifestations were observed at presentation. Based on the medical history, physical signs, imaging examinations (X-ray films, color Doppler ultrasound, and computed tomography), laboratory examinations, and multidisciplinary consultation, the patient was diagnosed with gas gangrene or gas gangrene-like changes. Twenty-four hours after the injury, an emergency amputation was performed (open amputation with wound closure after 1 week). After the operation, the patient was sent to the intensive care unit for isolation and further anti-infection and anti-shock treatments. His condition gradually improved after treatment and he was discharged without further complications. Bacteriological and pathological examinations indicated Aeromonas hydrophila infection leading to extensive necrotizing fasciitis of the limb and severe systemic poisoning. In addition, pre-existing myelodysplastic syndrome progressing to acute myeloid leukemia was identified as a possible predisposing factor. Human bites can cause serious infections requiring timely treatment, particularly in patients with predisposing comorbidities.     

Atraumatic Clostridial Myonecrosis in an Immunocompromised Host

Background

Necrotizing fasciitis is usually associated with a surgical or traumatic wound. Clostridial myonecrosis is an uncommon but deadly infection that can develop in the absence of a wound and is often associated with occult gastrointestinal cancer or immunocompromise, or both.

A case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by coagulase-negative staphylococcus: utility of magnetic resonance imaging for the preoperative diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis

A 70-year-old woman presented with fever and pain in the right lower extremity. Fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed contrast-enhanced fascia, fluid accumulation, and hypointense signals in the muscles. Surgical interventions including incisions and insertion of drainage tubes were performed on the basis of the MRI findings. The histopathological examinations of surgically obtained biopsy specimens demonstrated suppurative fasciitis, widespread myonecrosis, and thromboses of the vessels, all of which were compatible with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. The bacterial cultures were positive for a coagulase-negative staphylococcus. Following the surgical interventions, the patient was successfully treated by aggressive antimicrobial therapy. MRI can thus be useful for differentiating necrotizing fasciitis from nonnecrotizing soft tissue infection and for planning the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis.     

Patient with liver cirrhosis presenting with necrotizing fasciitis due to Acinetobacter junii: A case report and literature review

Acinetobacter spp. are known to be a cause of nosocomial infections and to have diverse mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobials. Here, we report the case of a patient who presented to our emergency department with necrotizing fasciitis due to Acinetobacter junii as confirmed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Patients with liver cirrhosis are susceptible to gram-negative infection. Moreover, although Acinetobacter spp. infection is best known to be a cause of combat-related-skin and soft-tissue infections, we propose that medical professionals need to consider the presence of these potentially multi-drug-resistant, gram-negative pathogens when treating patients with liver cirrhosis who present with severe soft-tissue infections. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of severe-skin and soft-tissue infections caused by A. junii.     

Rapidly progressive septic shock,associated with necrotizing fasciitis

A case is presented of a 59-year-old male with rapidly progressive septic shock and necrotizing fasciitis. The patient was admitted in shock with an extensive skin lesion on the anterior chest wall. The history was relatively short and there was only a questionable history of preceding trauma. Necrotizing fasciitis was suspected from the appearance of the lesion. Antibiotics and anti-shock therapy were given but despite this, his condition deteriorated and he died from septic shock. At autopsy, the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was confirmed. The importance of rapid diagnosis and primary surgical therapy is emphasized.     

Necrotizing fasciitis in the pediatric age group: report of a case

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive invasive soft tissue infection that is rarely seen in the pediatric population. In the majority of cases described in the medical literature, there has been an identifiable initiating event such as instrumentation or other trauma to the skin. Because of the rapid progression of the infection, the key to a successful outcome is early recognition and rapid initiation of definitive surgical management. A case is presented in which necrotizing fasciitis was seen in a child with no precipitating skin trauma.     

胆道术后肠瘘胆瘘合并坏死性筋膜炎患者的护理

目的总结胆道术后十二指肠瘘、胆瘘合并右侧胸腹壁坏死性筋膜炎患者的护理方法。方法回顾性分析2012年3月在扬州大学临床医学院普外科治疗的1例胆道术后肠瘘、胆瘘合并坏死性筋膜炎患者的临床资料,并总结其护理措施。结果经治疗,患者恢复全肠内营养,好转出院。结论早期清除坏死性筋膜炎创面,并密切观察创面情况,实施有针对性地护理,能有效促进营养物质的吸收、坏死性筋膜炎的恢复和瘘口的愈合。     

A fatal case of necrotizing Aeromonas schubertii fasciitis after penetrating injury

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but life-threatening condition with a high associated mortality and morbidity. Most infections are polymicrobial, another distinct form of necrotizing fasciitis that occurred by penetrating freshwater trauma, such as fishing or wading in wet fields. Aeromonas species are responsible. The rapidity of the infectious process is similar to that of clostridial infection, but gas production is not a consistent feature. We report a patient who presented with fever, chills, and bullae on left forearm, despite antibiotics and wound debridement; the infection extend to mid humerus with a rapid onset of skin necrosis and progressive sepsis. Aeromonas schubertii fasciitis is particularly virulent. An apparent superficial cellulitis that fails to respond to standard therapy must raise suspicion of a more extensive underlying subcutaneous infection. Aggressive surgical debridement and antibiotic coverage for gram-negative rods are the essential features of treatment. Delay caused by a mistaken diagnosis of cellulitis and subsequent inadequate debridement would likely prove fatal.     

湿性愈合模式在肛周脓肿致坏死性筋膜炎患者伤口护理中的应用

目的：探讨湿性愈合模式在肛周脓肿致坏死性筋膜炎患者伤口护理中的应用及效果。方法回顾性分析、总结2010年1月-2013年5月收治的3例肛周脓肿致坏死性筋膜炎患者伤口治疗及护理经验。结果通过开放引流、瘘管科学处理,有效清创、控制感染、防止血流感染,合理固定、提高生活质量,科学营养支持、促进肉芽生长创面愈合,人文关怀、多学科协作促进康复等湿性愈合伤口护理,所有患者均愈合,无病死、致残。结论湿性愈合伤口护理在急性坏死性筋膜炎的创面治疗中可以促进伤口愈合、降低医疗风险,安全可行。     

Eyelid Necrotizing Fasciitis: What Were the Early Signs?

Background

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening subcutaneous soft tissue infection that causes massive tissue destruction.

Objectives

To illustrate the warning signs of this condition by reporting a rare case of eyelid necrotizing fasciitis.

Case Report

A previously healthy 22-year-old man presented with a preseptal eyelid infection that spread rapidly despite prompt treatment with several intravenous antibiotics. He developed the characteristic clinical and radiologic features of necrotizing fasciitis, and required surgical debridement to cure the infection. Histology confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusion

In this article, we suggest the indicators that may enable physicians to think of the development of necrotizing fasciitis in patients with infections of the skin and subcutis.     

Necrotizing fasciitis: early sonographic diagnosis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, but potentially fatal bacterial infection of the soft tissues. Establishing the diagnosis at the early stages of the disease remains the greatest challenge. We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis involving the upper extremity. Sonography revealed subcutaneous emphysema spreading along the deep fascia, swelling, and increased echogenicity of the overlying fatty tissue with interlacing fluid collections. The patient responded well to early surgical debridement and parenteral antibiotics.