Negative pressure wound therapy-assisted dermatotraction for the closure of large open wounds in a patient with non-clostridial gas gangrene

Case: A 53-year-old woman developed septic shock associated with non-clostridial gas gangrene. She presented to the emergency department with two large open wounds on both thighs and in her sacral region. Non-enhanced computed tomography showed air density in contact with the right iliopsoas, which extended to the posterior compartment of the thigh. We made repeated efforts at surgical debridement of the wound with resection of necrotic tissues.

Outcome: Using negative pressure wound therapy-assisted dermatotraction, the pus pockets and the wound dehiscence decreased in size. Using this method we were successful in achieving delayed closure without skin grafts.

Conclusion: Negative pressure wound therapy can be an effective treatment for large and infected open contoured wounds. Negative pressure wound therapy-assisted dermatotraction might be beneficial for poorly healing, large, open wounds in patients in poor condition and with insufficient reserve to tolerate reconstructive surgery.