Acta Chir Belg
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Review Case Reports
Necrotizing fasciitis: case report and review of literature.
We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limb. This medico-surgical emergency is a life-threatening invasive soft-tissue infection which primarily involves the fascia superficialis and rapidly extends along subcutaneous tissue with relative sparing of skin and underlying muscles. Clinical presentation includes fever, signs of systemic toxicity and pain out of proportion to clinical findings. ⋯ Radiologic studies including plain radiographs, CT-scan or MRI may help to diagnose necrotizing fasciitis. Prompt surgical debridement, intravenous antibiotics, fluids and electrolytes management and analgesia are mainstays of the therapy. Adjuvant treatments like clindamycin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and intravenous immunoglobulins are discussed.
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Carotid artery surgery is safely and commonly performed under general, regional or local anaesthesia. The aim of the study was to compare local and general anaesthesia in carotid artery surgery in order to establish whether differences exist in terms of peri-operative results, use of intra-operative shunts and costs. ⋯ Carotid endarterectomy performed under local or general anaesthesia is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Local anaesthesia enables the surgeon to assess the neurological status during the procedure. It is also associated with decreased shunt usage, decreased operative time and, in high risk patients, lower intensive care unit requirement and hospital stay.