Abstract
Early recognition of necrotizing fasciitis, a rare infection of the deeper layer of the subcutaneous tissues, is very crucial, and the most effective treatment for this infection is surgical debridement. On the other hand, cellulitis, a diffuse inflammation of the connective tissue, is usually treated with antibiotics. We analyzed nine patients with necrotizing fasciitis in the lower extremities who were treated between October 2011 and June 2013. The mean age of all patients was 69.2 years (range 37–86 years). Four patients were associated with diabetes mellitus. Only three patients had a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis at the time of admission. For eight patients, surgical debridement was performed. As a result, we had a mortality rate of 33.3%.
