Related Experiment Videos
Staged Comprehensive Management for Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Lower Extremity with Sepsis: A Case Report
Xiaoyan Qu1, Gaohua Liu1, Wensheng Wei1
1Department of Hand Surgery, No.971 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Navy.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early bedside exploration and a staged, multidisciplinary approach can salvage limbs and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive soft tissue infection with high mortality.
- Early symptoms are non-specific, leading to diagnostic challenges and potential misdiagnosis.
- Complications include sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of acute necrotizing fasciitis in a young male patient.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
- To illustrate the effectiveness of a staged, multidisciplinary management approach.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 37-year-old male with a left lower limb infection.
- Bedside incision and exploration under local anesthesia for diagnosis.
- Staged management: surgical debridement, antibiotics, anti-shock therapy, vacuum sealing drainage, skin grafting.
Main Results:
- Acute necrotizing fasciitis was confirmed.
- The patient's limb was successfully salvaged.
- Full recovery with return to normal daily activities at 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Timely bedside exploration is crucial for diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis.
- A multidisciplinary, staged management strategy is effective for limb salvage.
- Prompt intervention can lead to favorable patient outcomes in severe soft tissue infections.
