Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
E. Rath, I. Shelef, E. Avinoah, Y. Lichtman, O. Levy, D. Atar
Depts. of Orthopedics, Diagnostic Radiology and General Surgery C, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba
The dramatic course of necrotizing soft tissue infection represents a medical emergency, since it is limb - and life-threatening. Most necrotizing soft tissue infections are caused by mixed aerobic and anaerobic Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Most case have been reported in immunocompromised hosts after penetrating trauma or surgery. We describe a unique series of cases of necrotizing soft tissue infection. The mainstay of treatment is early and daily debridement of devitalized tissue and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered.