Successful management of a multidrug-resistant bacterial surgical site infection in a traumatic amputation stump: A case report highlighting the role of multidisciplinary care

Le Thanh Huong1, , Vu Van Thao1, Bui Hong Toan1, Tran To Anh1, Nguyen Thi Yen1, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha1
1 Vinmec Smart City International Hospital

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Abstract

Surgical site infection following traumatic limb amputation is a severe complication that may result in osteomyelitis, stump necrosis, and the need for revision surgery. We report the case of a 40-year-old male patient who developed an infected left forearm amputation stump after an occupational accident. Initially, the surgical wound appeared dry and stable. However, on postoperative day 5, the wound progressively developed swelling, erythema, and serosanguinous discharge. Wound culture identified multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed subsequently by Enterococcus faecalis. Management involved a multimodal approach, including broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, surgical debridement, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT/V.A.C.). After 26 days of intensive treatment, the patient was discharged with a dry, well-healed wound. This case highlights the effectiveness of close multidisciplinary collaboration among orthopedic trauma surgeons, microbiology laboratory specialists, clinical pharmacists, and nursing staff in the management of complex postoperative infections.

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References

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