Surgical Management of Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Head and Neck.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to highlight risk factors and surgeries for necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the head and neck in the literature. NF is rare but can rapidly progress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was done using PubMed and SCOPUS. Articles that discussed NF of the head and neck and a specific surgical technique were included. A bivariate Pearson correlation was conducted using an α level of 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 31 articles encompassing 77 patients who presented with head and neck NF. Diabetes mellitus (23.4%) was the most common comorbidity observed. Surgical techniques, such as debridement (96.10%) and incision/exploration (97.40%), were common. CONCLUSION: Immediate surgical intervention should be performed when treating patients presenting with NF of the head and neck.