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Published in: Updates in Surgery 2/2010

01-10-2010 | Review Article

Necrotizing fasciitis: a surgical emergency

Authors: Damiano de Tullio, Camilla Rossi, Stefano Bolzon, Lucia Scagliarini, Savino Occhionorelli

Published in: Updates in Surgery | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Accurate assessment and timely interventions are critical in the treatment of patients affected with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, fulminating, potentially life-threatening, infectious process of the soft tissues. Understanding the natural history and unique characteristics of this disease is crucial to achieve early recognition, effective management and a favorable patient outcome. Classic symptoms include severe pain, erythema, mottling, crepitus, skin anesthesia, warmth, tenderness, bullous formations and edema in the affected area and fever. This article aims at reviewing the information known about this disease, collected from various sources. Radical surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are considered to be the cornerstones of treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Necrotizing fasciitis: a surgical emergency
Authors
Damiano de Tullio
Camilla Rossi
Stefano Bolzon
Lucia Scagliarini
Savino Occhionorelli
Publication date
01-10-2010
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
Updates in Surgery / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 2038-131X
Electronic ISSN: 2038-3312
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-010-0019-6

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