Misdiagnosis of Necrotising Fasciitis Symptoms
Fournier's gangrene is a highly-unpleasant version of the life-threatening soft-tissue infection, necrotising fasciitis. But is it negligent?
Fournier's gangrene and necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a swift-moving infection which attacks the body's deep soft tissue. Once the relevant bacteria, of which there are many forms, gain access to the interior of the body, they cause the decay and destruction of all the tissue they infect. The infection spreads rapidly through the body's connective tissue, causing further decay as its area of impact increases.
Fournier's gangrene is the term used to describe this shocking infection when it affects the perineal and genital region. More frequently found in men, this appalling illness can also affect women.
The only treatment for fournier's gangrene, and any form of necrotising fasciitis, is for all infected tissue to be surgically removed from the body. The potential damage which can be caused by such a treatment can be imagine.
The perineal region can suffer considerably from such necessary surgery, causing scarring and loss of sexual function. The infection may have spread beyond the perineal region and have affected the bowel. The patient's bowel function may suffer. They may even require a colostomy to serve for bowel function.
Medical negligence and fournier's gangrene
Developing fournier's gangrene is not necessarily a sign of medical negligence. The patient may have suffered an abscess or a pressure sore or an injury or infection in the area which has allowed this terrible illness to develop.
A failure to diagnose the problem accurately and promptly, however, might be regarded as substandard care.
A failure to organise emergency treatment to minimise the long-term impact on the patient might also be regarded as poor-quality care.
If a patient develops fournier's gangrene whilst undergoing treatment in hospital and their illness has been caused by poor-quality hospital care, the relevant medical professionals might be regarded as responsible for the patient's on-going symptoms.
Claiming compensation
If poor-quality medical care or delays in the diagnosis and treatment of fournier's gangrene has resulted in you or a loved one suffering long-term and disabling problems, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice with considerable expertise and experience of necrotising fasciitis negligence claims.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about your situation and the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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