Necrotising fasciitis: a new management algorithm based on clinical classification

• Published in: International wound journal Vol. 1; no. 3; pp. 189 - 198
• Main Authors: Carter, Paul S, Banwell, Paul E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK; Malden, USA Blackwell Science Ltd 01.09.2004
• Subjects: Abdominal Muscles - microbiology; Abdominal Muscles - surgery; Algorithms; Bandages; Debridement; Fasciitis, Necrotizing - classification; Fasciitis, Necrotizing - microbiology; Fasciitis, Necrotizing - therapy; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Management; Necrotising fasciitis; Prognosis; Review; Shock, Septic - microbiology; Shock, Septic - therapy
• ISSN: 1742-4801; 1742-481X; 1742-481X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4801.2004.00054.x

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare infection of the subcutaneous tissues. If untreated, it is invariably fatal, and thus a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis is required. The disease's manifestation can range from a fulminant presentation to a subtle and insidious development. The priority in every case is to proceed to radical surgical debridement. On review of the literature and based on our clinical experience, we propose a new classification based on clinical presentation and suggest an algorithm to facilitate the management of this devastating condition. Increasing awareness should be given to the management of the large wounds resulting from the surgical debridement of necrotising fasciitis.