Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis = Revue suisse de médecine Praxis
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The term "Necrotizing soft tissue infections" describes a group of limb- and sometimes lifethreatening infections mostly of the limbs. The necrotizing soft tissue infections are classified, depending on the involved tissue level, microbiology and clinical course: 1. primarily located in the subcutaneous level and fascia: 1.1 hemolytic streptococcal gangrene, 1.2 necrotizing fasciitis, 1.3 gram-negative, synergistic, necrotizing cellulitis, 1.4 clostridial cellulitis, 1.5 anaerobic nonclostridial-cellulitis; 2. primary located in the muscle: 2.1 clostridial myonecrosis, 2.2 streptococcal myositis. Between 1989 and 1992 17 patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections were treated at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich. ⋯ The surgical treatment has to be aggressive with extensive debridement of the affected areas supported by intensive care. Delayed or even omitted surgical treatment, inappropriate therapeutic concepts and incomplete debridement with compromises may have fatal consequences. Repeated debridement as well as amputation of the affected limb is justified to guarantee the patient's survival.