Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck: 34 cases of a single institution experience

We analyzed 34 patients with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the head and neck. According to the clinical presentation, we classified NF into the cervical and cranial type. Infection can spread along the superficial lamina or along the pretracheal lamina of the deep cervical fascia. In the first type, skin necrosis is the main sequelae, while in the second case, descending infection and mediastinitis are the main complications. Of the 34 patients, in 17 the infection progressed in the mediastinum. Due to aggressive surgical therapy and postoperative intensive care, the mortality rate remained low (1/17; 6%). In this analysis, we emphasize the importance of an accurate and fast diagnosis, followed by aggressive surgical therapy and a multidisciplinary approach.