Uncommon Locations of Gas Gangrene Treated Successfully With Surgical Debridement and the Vacuum-Assisted Closure Device

Abstract

Gas gangrene is a life-threatening condition implying necrosis of dermis and hypodermis, along with necrosis of the superficial muscular aponeurosis. Fournier s gangrene is a subtype of the disease affecting the perineal and genital area. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, medical, and surgical treatment of three cases of gas gangrene affecting uncommon locations in the human body, treated with extensive surgical debridement followed by the vacuum assisted closure method in two of these cases. Three cases of gas gangrene affecting uncommon locations treated surgically in our Department are presented. In one case the perineal and scrotal region was infected with invasion of the lateral abdominal wall and the peritoneal cavity. In the second case the axillary regions were infected bilaterally and in the third case the left axillary and subscapular regions were infected after a left arm disarticulation. All cases were treated successfully with successive surgical debridement and/or the vacuum-assisted closure method. Gas gangrene is a curable disease if diagnosed early and treated effectively with successive surgical wound cleaning and debridement. The vacuum assisted closure method can be helpful in promoting wound healing.