Necrotizing Fasciitis-The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Debridement

ABSTRACT
- NECROTIZING FASCIITIS (NF) is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the skin, deep subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. Early symptoms may be misdiagnosed as cellulitis. A hallmark symptom that distinguishes NF from cellulitis is severe local pain that is out of proportion to the size and type of the wound present.
- EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT of NF is imperative for a patient's survival. This article describes the pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment of NF, as well as implications for perioperative nursing. AORN J 82 (December 2005) 1031-1040.