Defunctioning loop ileostomy: not always a safe option.

A 74-year-old woman underwent a low anterior resection and defunctioning loop ileostomy for a T1 N1 M0 rectal adenocarcinoma. Three months following surgery she attended complaining of pain inferior to the loop ileostomy. A clinical examination demonstrated an extensive area of spreading cellulitis on the lower abdominal wall inferior to the loop ileostomy with associated crepitus and skin necrosis. The clinical diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis was confirmed radiologically on emergency computed tomography. The patient underwent an emergency debridement of the anterior abdominal wall.