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Necrotising soft tissue infection following mastectomy
A Subramanian1, G Thomas1, A Lawn1
1The Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|June 20, 2014
Summary
Necrotising fasciitis is a rare, aggressive soft tissue infection. Prompt treatment including debridement and VAC therapy is crucial for post-mastectomy patients to prevent severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Necrotising fasciitis is a rare, rapidly progressive soft tissue infection.
- It can lead to extensive necrosis, systemic sepsis, and death.
- Cases following mastectomy are exceptionally rare, with only two previously reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of necrotising fasciitis post-mastectomy.
- To highlight the importance of early clinical suspicion and prompt multidisciplinary treatment.
Main Methods:
- Surgical debridement and triangulation.
- Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC©) dressing.
- Skin grafting.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment of severe soft tissue infection post-mastectomy.
- The patient recovered following a combination of surgical interventions and wound management.
Conclusions:
- Necrotising soft tissue infections post-mastectomy are a serious complication.
- High clinical suspicion and aggressive, multidisciplinary treatment are essential.
- Prompt intervention can prevent severe physical and psychological sequelae.
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