Management dilemma of cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis is a rare polymicroibial infection, which carries high morbidity as well as mortality rate. It is usually the result of rapid spread of infection along the fascial planes, causing necrosis of the fascia and overlying skin, which eventually involve the blood vessels and muscles. Early diagnosis is crucial in limiting the fatal consequences of the disease process and the establishment of the appropriate line of management. We discuss the management dilemma in selected cases treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain during the period 1 999-2006 and outline briefly the medical as well as the surgical management