Friday, September 28, 2012

Anesthetic implications of necrotizing fasciitis

Dr. Belous


AANA journal. 71, no. 1, (2003): 37

This is a review article. It focuses on the issue of anesthesia for cases of necrotizing fasciitis. There are several key considerations to keep in mind. Untreated cases often present as septic shock requiring vasoactive drug administration. Mortality can be as high as 20 to 50 %. These patients definitely require some form of invasive monitoring of hemodynamics and vigorous volume resuscitation. Infected dead tissue tends to bleed and blood products should be readily available. Clotting factor deficiencies may also need replacement. As a rule, multiple surgeries will be required and should be prepared for. In some severe tracheostomy may be indicated along with ICU care. These patients will require pain management, physical therapy and often psych consultations. Intraoperatively, anesthesia provider should be prepared to deal with large fluid shifts, hemodynamic instability, and frequent positioning changes, as well as the use vasoactive drugs.

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