Necrosis of tissues

In a healthy body that has undergone an attack of pathogens, immune responses are triggered. But in some cases there is a malfunction, and microbes introduced into the tissue cause significant destruction. As a result of the impact of negative external and internal factors, necrosis (death of tissues) begins.

Forms and types of necrosis

Specialists distinguish two forms of necrosis:

1. Coagulation necrosis (dry) occurs when tissue protein is folded in the absence of blood flow and as a result of intensive evaporation of moisture. In this case, the affected areas acquire a yellow-gray or dark-brown hue. The tissues become dry and brittle, an abscess occurs, an abscess is formed, and when it is opened, a fistula is formed.
2. Colliquated necrosis (wet) is characterized by swelling and dilution of dead tissue. As a result of necroticisation, a gray mash develops with a pronounced putrefactive odor.

There are several types of necrosis:

• necrosis of muscle tissue (waxy or Zeckerov) is associated with lesion of skeletal muscles;
• necrosis of adipose tissue - irreversible processes in fatty tissue;
• necrosis of connective tissue;
• Caseous necrosis, manifested in the fact that the affected areas begin to crumble;
• gangrene - necrosis of soft tissues (upper and lower extremities) and internal organs;
• sequestration - necrosis of hard (bone) tissue;
• a heart attack that occurs as a result of circulatory disturbances in certain organs or tissues.

Symptoms of tissue necrosis

One of the first symptoms of necrosis is loss of sensation and numbness. At the same time, the skin in the affected area looks much paler than the adjacent healthy tissues and acquires a characteristic "waxy" appearance. Therapy, started in the initial period of the disease, helps to stop the pathological changes. At this stage it is still possible to restore blood circulation. If the measures were not taken, the skin becomes a cyanotic color, and then rapidly turn black. Other signs of necrosis of the soft tissues of the limbs are:

• convulsions;
• intermittent claudication ;
• trophic ulcers.

Regardless of the area affected by necrosis, violations occur in the activity:

• nervous system;
• kidney;
• liver;
• respiratory system.

This is accompanied by:

• decreased immunity;
• Disorder of metabolic processes, leading to hypovitaminosis and general exhaustion;
• bad state of health, constant overwork.

Treatment of tissue necrosis

Therapy of dry and wet necrosis has a number of fundamental differences.

Local treatment with coagulation necrosis is to perform:

1. Activities to prevent the spread of pathology, including:

• treatment of skin with antiseptics near the affected area;
• application of dressings with disinfectants;
• drying of the skin at the site of infection with alcoholic diamond greens or 5% solution of potassium permanganate.

2. Necrectomy (excision of non-viable tissues).

3. Treatment of the underlying disease that caused necrosis, including:

• restoration of blood circulation ;
• improvement of blood supply;
• prevention of infectious complications through the use of antibiotics.

The therapy of colliquated necrosis in the early stages consists in trying to transfer it to a safer, dry form.

Local treatment consists in the following procedures:

• washing with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution;
• opening of swells, drainage;
• application of antiseptic dressings;
• the imposition of gypsum langettes.

In addition, the following:

• intravenous and intra-arterial administration of antibiotics;
• detoxification;
• cardiovascular therapy.

With the progression of inflammation and the absence of the effect of conservative treatment methods, a surgical operation to remove non-viable tissues is recommended.