Purpose: the authors report their experience with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) cases which occurred in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, assessing the frequency of NF and analyzing the association between NF and certain risk factors cited in the literature. Methods: a retrospective study of patients a with diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre from January 1990 to December 1997. Results: two post-cesarean section and one post-surgical (because of ectopic pregnancy) NF cases were found. None of the patients presented clinical complications nor NF risk factors and all surgeries were urgent. The NF frequency in this study was 2.6/10.000 cesarians and mortality was zero. Discussion: NF is a clinical syndrome which does not occur very often but is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This disease involves the surgical wound and the fascial plans. Fast handling and early and intensive treatment bring about good results and decrease in the mortality rate.
Obstetric infections; Nosocomial infection; Cesarean section; Surgery; Necrotizing fasciitis