Necrotizing fasciitis following laparoscopic left hemicolectomy for diverticulitis

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing bacterial infection of soft skin tissue layers, combined with high mortality rates. Association with laparoscopic surgery is rare. In this article, we report a case of a 61-year-old patient suffering from severe NF after laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with low anterior resection due to diverticulitis of sigmoid colon. Skin discolorations, combined with critical illness of the patient, led to the diagnosis of NF. Early recognition, intensive care treatment with stabilization of vital parameters, broad-band antibiotics, and aggressive debridement are the cornerstones for successful treatment of NF.