The use of oxygen in Fournier's gangrene
Safioleas, M.C.; Stamatakos, M.C.; Diab, A.I.; Safioleas, P.M.
Saudi Medical Journal 27(11): 1748-1750
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 17106556 Document Number: 596299
Fournier's gangrene is an aggressive form of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, perianal or genital regions, usually caused by a polymicrobial infection that includes virulent organisms. Over the last decades, we have treated 9 patients suffering from Fournier's gangrene using systemic chemotherapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and with extensive, sometimes serial surgical debridement. Recently in one case, in addition to treatment, we used locally 100% oxygen in daily doses with promising results in healing wound. Herein, we report this case with a brief review of the literature concerning pathogenesis, risk factors, and treatment approaches.