Toxic Shock Syndrome

Surgery

Surgery is rarely needed to treat toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by staph bacteria, but it is an important part of treatment for TSS caused by strep. In selected cases, surgically removing infected tissue leads to a significant improvement in a person's condition. For example, surgery may be necessary when:

• TSS has developed after a surgical procedure, and the surgical wound needs to be drained and cleaned to remove the source of the infection.
• Strep bacteria are causing necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection that destroys skin, and the dead tissue and toxins produced by the bacteria must be removed.

Strep TSS with necrotizing fasciitis progresses rapidly and is life-threatening, so emergency surgery may be needed to remove the source of infection. For more information, see the topic Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria).

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 3, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Dennis L. Stevens, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases
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