Necrotizing Fasciitis of Head and Neck Region

Nabeela Riaz, Tooba Saeed, Samreen Younas

Abstract

Objective

To document clinical presentation, treatment provided, morbidity and mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of head and neck regions.

Study design

Descriptive case series.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery King Edwards Medical University / Mayo Hospital Lahore, from  January 2015 to September 2017.

Methodology

Patients diagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis of head and neck region were included. Variables analyzed were anatomical site, etiology, clinical presentation, organisms involved, hospital stay, surgical treatment and mortality.

Results

Eleven patients were managed during the study period.  There were seven males and four females with median age of 40 years. Six patients were diabetic and six had history of road side accident. The most common signs were cellulitis and skin discolouration in all patients.  Group A streptococci were isolated in five patients. Eight patients underwent aggressive surgical debridement, while three were treated with multiple incision and drainage with conservative debridement. Mortality was 54%.

Conclusion

Despite aggressive treatment more than 50% patients died in this series.

Key words

Necrotizing Fasciitis, Head and neck, Debridement.