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What is the primary treatment for necrotizing fasciitis?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone
Immediate surgical debridement
Long-term antibiotic therapy
Topical antiseptic application
The correct answer is: Immediate surgical debridement
The primary treatment for necrotizing fasciitis is immediate surgical debridement. This condition is a severe, rapidly progressing infection that affects the fascia, the connective tissue structure surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. It can lead to tissue death and systemic complications if not promptly addressed. Immediate surgical intervention is crucial because it allows for the removal of necrotic, infected tissues, which helps to halt the spread of the infection and improve the chances of patient survival. In many cases, merely administering antibiotics or providing supportive care without surgical intervention is insufficient, as the infection can proliferate quickly, leading to severe morbidity or mortality. Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an adjunctive treatment for certain cases, particularly to enhance healing in already compromised tissues, it is not the primary stand-alone treatment. Long-term antibiotic therapy is necessary to manage the infection but must be combined with surgical intervention to be effective. Topical antiseptics do not treat the underlying condition effectively and are not suitable for managing a systemic and deep-seated infection such as necrotizing fasciitis. Thus, immediate surgical debridement is essential for effective management.