Caesarean Sections And Necrotising Fasciitis
During a caesarean section (or c-section), a large incision is made to a woman's abdomen, thereby allowing a baby to be delivered. Such an extensive cut will, however, create an opportunity for bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. If this bacterial infection is Necrotising Fasciitis, it is vital it is diagnosed and treated without delay. Otherwise a woman will be left with serious complications.
What is Necrotising Fasciitis?
Often called the flesh-eating disease', Necrotising Fasciitis is an aggressive infection which kill the body's soft tissue and fascia. The infection begins when bacteria enter the body via a wound in the skin – for example, a caesarean section incision. The bacteria then rapidly reproduce, releasing a poisonous toxin as they do so. It is this toxin which kills the soft tissue and underlying fascia. In medical terms, the tissue is said to become 'necrotic'.
C-Sections Infected By Necrotising Fasciitis
When a c-section initially becomes infected with Necrotising Fasciitis, the wound will be red, swollen and extremely painful, while a patient may also suffer vomiting, diahorrea, and fever. However, it may be difficult to differentiate the symptoms of Necrotising Fasciitis from the ordinary side-effects of a c-section. That is why a woman must remain aware of her condition and report anything she feels could be abnormal to a healthcare professional.
When a woman presents with an infected c-section, it is important tests are done as soon as possible. This is because Necrotising Fasciitis spreads extremely quickly, and within a short space of time a large amount of tissue can become necrotic. If caught in time, the infection may be treated with antibiotics. However, if there is a lapse of more than 24 hours, it is likely the necrotic tissue will have to be surgically removed – a procedure known as debridement. A timely diagnosis is therefore of the utmost importance, or a woman could face extensive debridement surgery.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim
If Necrotising Fasciitis is not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion, a c-section wound will become more than just a scar. Indeed, after debridement a woman may be left with an unsightly deformity, and may even need further treatment to rectify the damage. A delay in diagnosing Necrotising Fasciitis does, therefore, pose serious consequences to the welfare of the patient.
If this has happened to you, you will understandably be feeling angry and upset about the standard of care you have received. However, there is a possibility you could take legal action. A medical negligence solicitor will be able to provide more information. Nevertheless, if you have been the victim of a substandard level of care, you will be able to make a medical negligence claim. If successful, you will be awarded compensation for the harm caused to you and your loved ones.
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Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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