Table 1 Time series of pathological conditions and surgical procedures

1 day before admission

– Incisional drainage for cellulitis of the bilateral feet*

1st day (on admission)

– Percutaneous drainage for anterior mediastinal abscess

– Incisional drainage for anterior chest wall abscess

2nd day

– Chest tube drainage for right pyothorax

– Further incisional drainage for cellulitis of the bilateral feet

3rd day

• Debridement of anterior chest wall abscess

• Thoracoscopic pleural curettage for right pyothorax

• Debridement of the lower extremities, including amputation of right second and left fifth toe, for necrotizing fasciitis

24th day

• Incisional drainage for sciatic rectus fossa abscess

• Debridement of the sternum for anterior chest wall infection

2 months

• Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to fill the sternal defect

5 months

Discharged home