Management of necrotizing fasciitis and the use of sealed irrigation system: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing fasciitis [NF] is a deep soft tissue infection with high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, and is confirmed during the surgical exploration, which is also the cornerstone of treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 16-year-old female who complained of pain, tenderness, and erythema along her abdomen and back after a minor trauma on her left palm. The patient was treated with systemic antibiotics and daily surgical debridement followed by placement of a bilateral suction drainage system. A split-thickness graft was used to cover the defect on the lower back of the patient. CONCLUSION: Sealed irrigation technique is an effective method to manage NF. Furthermore, it reduces the hospitalization duration by continuously removing the necrotic and infected material that hinder tissue healing.