Fatal necrotizing fasciitis following elective inguinal hernia repair.

ABSTRACT

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) following elective hernia repair are extremely uncommon, though they can occur following emergency surgery for complicated hernias. They are also usually seen in individuals with impaired immunity. We report a case of fatal necrotizing fasciitis following elective hernia repair in an otherwise healthy young patient. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this condition early, as it is difficult to differentiate it from superficial surgical site infection.