[Surgical concept and results of necrotizing fasciitis].

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is still a source of high morbidity and mortality. These difficult cases are increasingly referred to burn centers due to special wound and critical care issues. Here we examine our institution's recent experience with a large series of NF.

METHOD: We performed a retrospective chart review of 32 consecutive patients over a 10-year period with NF who required radical surgical debridement and surface reconstruction.

RESULTS: Overall survival was 85%, with average length of stay of 74.0+/-7.5 days for survivors (S) and 68.8+/-6.3 days for nonsurvivors (NS) (P>0.05). Time until first operation was 5.2 days in S and 3.4 days in NS (P<0.05). Patient age averaged 51.1+/-11.2 years for S and 57.0+/-12.0 years for NS (P<0.05). Survivors averaged 1.6 relevant comorbidities and NS averaged 3.6 (P<0.05). Affected total body surface (TBS) per patient averaged 6.8+/-3.3% for S and 10.2+/-5.1% for NS (P<0.05). All NS had affection of the trunk, and none of the patients with exclusive affection of extremities died.

CONCLUSIONS: There were frequent delays in diagnosis and referrals to our institution, and progress can be made in educating the medical community to identify these patients. Not only the affected TBS and location but also comorbidities, age, and immediate surgical treatment are important prognostic factors. Referral to a specialized facility such as a burn center is urgently recommended for optimal surgical intervention, wound care, and critical care management.