Reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect resulting after necrotizing fasciitis with free latissimus dorsi flap

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening infection. When it occurs, rapid and wide debridement of all affected tissues is the mainstay of treatment. We present a case in which a large, full-thickness abdominal wall defect occurred after debridement of a necrotizing fasciitis. The defect was reconstructed using a free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. This large and versatile innervated flap seems to be a promising choice for reconstruction of full thickness abdominal wall defects.