Aeration of the abdominal wall for treatment of necrotising fasciitis.

A patient diagnosed with extensive abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis from a perianal abscess was managed with a novel aeration technique using adapted 36-French tubes. A total of 14 drains were placed in the plane of the transversalis fascia after surgical debridement. The drains were left open to allow drainage of liquefactive contents and aeration of the abdominal wall tissues. An extended course of intravenous antibiotics were administered and the patient was ventilated in the intensive therapy unit. The patient was reoperated after 2 weeks, at which time the drains were removed. The patient made a full recovery, and was discharged with follow-up. 2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.