Amputation in Necrotizing Fasciitis – Dilemma or Reality: A Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is known to be a life-threatening condition of the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia with rapid progression. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report will present a relevant case and summarize the literature to discuss the dilemma of amputation in patients with NF. We present the case of a 32-year-old male with a longstanding history of intravenous drug abuse, who developed NF from a benign cellulitis after injection drug use in his right groin region, for which he underwent surgical debridement followed by above-the-knee amputation because of septic shock. He was discharged after 6 months from admission with all blood biochemical parameters recovered to normal. CONCLUSION: Prompt intravenous antibiotics administration, surgical debridement, fluid and electrolytes management, and analgesia are the pillars of the treatment, while amputation seems to be a life-saving procedure.