NAPLES, Italy – A 68-year-old patient, Alessandro, is now out of danger after a harrowing ordeal that began last summer with a violin spider bite. He was on the verge of losing his leg, and possibly his life, when he arrived at Ospedale del Mare in critical condition. A dedicated multidisciplinary team at the hospital worked tirelessly for months, performing numerous interventions to save his limb and ensure his full recovery.
A Critical Arrival at Ospedale del Mare
Alessandro arrived at the Emergency Room on the night of June 26-27, 2025, in a severely deteriorated state. He reported intense pain in his left lower limb, which was swollen and red. He recounted being bitten by an insect, likely a violin spider, in the preceding days. Upon examination, his left leg appeared cyanotic with blistering lesions. He also presented with a high fever.
An urgent CT scan, performed promptly in the General Radiology department led by Fabio Tamburro, revealed hemorrhagic infarction – an accumulation of blood due to ruptured vessels – in the subcutaneous tissues.
Rapid Deterioration and the Fight Against Sepsis
Alessandro was admitted to the Complex Operative Unit of Emergency and Urgency Medicine, directed by Giovanna Guiotto, with a diagnosis of sepsis and unspecified fasciitis in the left lower limb. His general condition rapidly worsened, marked by persistent high fever and the progression of the infection. Locally, extensive necrotic areas of soft tissues (skin and subcutaneous tissue) developed on his left leg and thigh, extending from the root of the thigh to the calf. This was accompanied by septic arthritis of the knee joint, leading to serious considerations of limb amputation.
As his condition continued to deteriorate, Alessandro was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, headed by Ciro Fittipaldi, in early July. Following stabilization, he was then transferred to the Departmental Simple Operative Unit of Plastic Surgery, under the direction of Alfredo Borriello.
Multidisciplinary Approach and Reconstructive Journey
Under Dr. Borriello’s care, Alessandro underwent approximately 10 debridement procedures, involving the progressive removal of necrotic tissues, extensive washings, and the application of negative pressure therapy. Concurrently, his general condition, marked by sepsis and infection, began to improve thanks to the collaborative efforts with Marina Lugarà, an infectious disease specialist at Ospedale del Mare. Dr. Lugarà’s targeted and advanced therapies successfully brought the sepsis under control.
Following the initial critical phase, Alessandro embarked on a reconstructive journey, undergoing around 5 further interventions. These included the application of latest-generation dermal matrices and skin grafts. His overall health steadily improved, with a progressive reduction in fever, better hemodynamic conditions, and a decrease in exudate from the secreting wounds.
A Full Recovery and a Testament to Medical Excellence
After a prolonged hospital stay, Alessandro has finally returned home, fully recovered. Crucially, he is able to walk perfectly, having successfully preserved his limb.
Maria Corvino, Health Director of ASL Napoli 1 Centro, praised the medical team: “Once again, the women and men of ASL Napoli 1 Centro have been extraordinary. Thanks to their professionalism and competence, they treated a very complex clinical case with the utmost care. This is an example of excellent healthcare that daily offers solutions to our fellow citizens.”
Gaetano Gubitosa, General Director, added: “The Ospedale del Mare team is a multidisciplinary group that worked together to save a patient’s lower limb and life. This result is the fruit of dedication and the ability to work together, putting the patient and their health at the center. I thank all the personnel involved for their commitment and the optimal result achieved.”
This case highlights the dedication and expertise of the medical professionals at Ospedale del Mare, demonstrating their capacity to tackle complex medical challenges and achieve remarkable patient outcomes.
Source: Corriere del Mezzogiorno
