Abstract:

We report 2 cases of necrotizing fasciitis following stripping of the long saphenous vein and phlebectomy of varicose collateral vessels. The first one concerns a 42-year-old man who presented with a left thigh postoperative infection, evolving despite oral antibiotic therapy. Urgent surgical exploration proved an extensive necrosis consistent with necrotizing fasciitis. Wide excision of the necrotic tissue was performed. Under intravenous antibiotic therapy, local wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient’s condition improved. The second case concerns a 60-year-old man with cardio-vascular disease and diabetes. He was transferred in our institution 7 days after surgery for an infection in the right thigh and septic shock. Immediate surgical exploration showed extensive necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh, popliteal fossa and latero-posterior compartments of the leg. Muscle necrosis of the right leg was also observed. A right supra-condylar amputation was performed. The patient improved under antibiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Ouazzani, Bataille, Raynal, Vandueren, Dubois, Verhelst, , , (). Necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limb after venous surgery: cases studies and a review of the literature. Acta chirurgica Belgica, ;111(2):103-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21618859