Abdominoplasty as a reconstructive surgical treatment of necrotising fasciitis of the abdominal wall.

Abstract

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a potentially fatal, uncommon infection of the soft tissue with rapid progression. This article presents one case of NF of the abdomen wall, describing the presentation, diagnosis and long-term successful treatment. The defect of the abdominal wall was treated with medical support (antibiotics broad-spectrum coverage), V.A.C. therapy and plastic surgery procedures. The coverage of the abdominal wall defect has been achieved by abdominoplasty-type advancement flaps in one step with the preservation of the umbilicus. One month after the surgical procedure, the patient returned to a normal lifestyle with a good quality of life. The success of this case should be attributed to an early diagnosis, aggressive debridement and a good intensive medical management; these elements are essential to a better prognosis for NF.