The use of oxygen in Fournier's gangrene

Saudi Med J. 2006 Nov;27(11):1748-50.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use
  • Bandages
  • Debridement
  • Fournier Gangrene / diagnosis
  • Fournier Gangrene / drug therapy
  • Fournier Gangrene / surgery
  • Fournier Gangrene / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / administration & dosage
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use
  • Oxygen / administration & dosage*
  • Perineum* / injuries
  • Perineum* / surgery
  • Povidone-Iodine / administration & dosage
  • Povidone-Iodine / therapeutic use
  • Streptomycin / administration & dosage
  • Streptomycin / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Metronidazole
  • Povidone-Iodine
  • Oxygen
  • Streptomycin