ABSTRACT
Necrotizing soft-tissue infections, although relatively rare, can be serious causes of morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis, aggressive empiric antibiotics therapy, and radical surgical debridement are essential for the survival of these often gravely ill patients. Preoperative planning and new adjuncts in wound care can aid in the definitive closure of the often-massive soft-tissue defects, necessitated by the extent of surgical debridement. These patients may be best served with referral to a major burn center with experience in the surgical management of necrotizing fasciitis, and specialized wound care, typically best done by the burn team. Furthermore, these patients often have significat physiologic perturbations, require goal-directed therapy for restoration of their homeostasis and surgical intensive care unit support, and have significant rehabilitative needs.
