Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2010 Mar 1;2010(1):4.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/2010.1.4.

Necrotising soft tissue infection following mastectomy

A Subramanian  1 , G Thomas  1 , A Lawn  1 , P Jackson  1 , Gt Layer  1
Affiliations

Necrotising soft tissue infection following mastectomy

A Subramanian et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare but rapidly progressive soft tissue disease which can lead to extensive necrosis, systemic sepsis and death. Including this case, only 7 other cases have been reported in the world literature with only 2 others affecting the patient post mastectomy. This 59 year old Caucasian lady presented with severe soft tissue infection soon after mastectomy, which was successfully treated with a combination of debridement, triangulation, VAC© dressing and skin grafting. Necrotising soft tissue infections following mastectomy are rapidly progressive and potentially extremely serious. It is essential that a high index of clinical suspicion is maintained together with prompt aggressive treatment in a multidisciplinary environment to prevent worsening physical and psychological sequelae.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Debrided wound illustrating triangulation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Eventual appearance of the wound following skin graft.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Shah J, Sharma AK, O'Donoghue JM, Mearns B, Johri A, Thomas V. Necrotising fasciitis of the breast. Br J Plast Surg 2001: 54: 67–68 - PubMed
    1. Nizami S, Mohiuddin K, Zafr H. Necrotising fasciitis of the breast. Breast J 2006: 12: 226–7 - PubMed
    1. Velchuru V, Van Der Walt M, Sturzaker H. Necrotising fasciitis in a postmastectomy wound. Breast J: 1: 72–4 - PubMed
    1. Eugster T, Aeberhard P, Reist K, Sakmann K. Necrotising fasciitis caused by beta-haemolytic streptococci with fatal outcome – a case report. Swiss Surg 1997: 3: 117–120 - PubMed
    1. Flandrin A, Rouleau C, Azar C, Dubon O, Giacalone P. First report of necrotising fasciitis of the breast following a core needle biopsy. Breast J 2009: 15: 199–201 - PubMed