Necrotizing fasciitis after total abdominal hysterectomy: A case report

Necrotizing fasciitis is rapidly progressive infection with high mortality rate. This study aimed to summarize the clinical and pathological presentation of this case.

A 46-year-old woman patient presented to our emergency department of an obstetric and gynecology clinic on the 8th day after total abdominal hysterectomy. The abdominal wall showed pronounced signs of inflammation. Abundant purulent content was oozing from the abdominal wound.

The patient underwent surgery. Areas of necrosis were observed on the skin around the wound, the subcutaneous fatty tissue was necrotic around the incision site, and the fascia was completely dehisced.

Wound debridement and flap cutting of the anterior abdominal wall were performed. Metronidazole, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin were administered intravenously. A plastic surgeon suggested daily debridement and toileting of the wound in the operating room. Swabs of the abdominal cavity, abscess cavity, and abdominal wound were obtained, and Enterococcus faecalis was isolated. After the negativism of microbiological swabs, excochleation of granulation tissue was performed by a plastic surgeon.

Nineteen days after the relaparotomy, the patient was discharged in good general condition with advice for further monitoring and therapy.

Successful treatment of necrotizing fasciitis can be achieved through an initial diagnosis, adequate debridement, empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage, and multidisciplinary treatment.