Gas Gangrene

Eliot, Ellsworth; Easton, Edward R.

doi:10.1097/00000658-193506000-00009

Cited by 2 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…There is a characteristic discharge with bubbles of gas, liquefied fat, and spreading crepitation that can be detected within a few hours. Meanwhile, the general condition of patients will deteriorate sharply and result in systemic toxemia, hypotension, shock, multi-organ failure, and death if not controlled [ 1 , 10 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For the treatment of gas gangrene, early and prompt diagnosis cannot be overestimated so that the appropriate treatment can be carried out in a timely manner, including the principles of supportive measures, antimicrobial therapy, and surgical intervention [ 1 , 9 – 11 ]. The purpose of systemic supportive therapy (infusion solutions, blood transfusions) is to maintain the stability of the circulatory volume and to improve the general condition of the patient.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The purpose of systemic supportive therapy (infusion solutions, blood transfusions) is to maintain the stability of the circulatory volume and to improve the general condition of the patient. In the meantime, the use of antibiotics (penicillin, clindamycin, metronidazole) is an important method to combat the effects of the infection [ 1 , 10 ]. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also be considered to be an adjunctive measure, although its effectiveness has not yet been established.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general, if only one muscle or muscle group is affected or the infection is on the trunk, these regions should be opened by generous incisions and the subcutaneous tissue and fascia should be removed to reduce tension and establish a broad drainage. On the other hand, if all of the muscles are affected on one extremity, amputation is imperative [ 1 , 2 , 12 ]. The indication for amputation includes extreme lacerations of soft parts, the involvement of the infection on several groups of muscles, the presence of extensive comminution of bone with or without opening into a large joint where gangrene is self-evident, and early development of symptoms of toxemia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Gas gangrene is characterized by acute, rapid evolution and high mortality. The clinical symptoms of gas gangrene include swelling and necrosis of massive muscles, accumulation of gas at the site of infection and other general symptoms, such as fever and sudden onset of prominent pain [ 1 , 2 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Gas gangrene following implant removal after the union of a tibial plateau fracture: a case report

Wang¹,

Liu²

2018

BMC Musculoskelet Disord

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BackgroundGas gangrene is an invasive, fatal anaerobic infection that is characterized by acute, rapid evolution and high mortality. Gas gangrene is often secondary to open fractures with deep wounds but is extremely rare in the patients undergoing elective surgery. Implant removal is a common elective operation in orthopedics after the union of fractures, and the complications of this surgery include infection, nerve injury and re-fracture. However, to the knowledge of the authors, there is no report in the literature on gas gangrene following implant removal. Here, we present a case study of gas gangrene following the removal of an internal fixation device after the union of a tibial plateau fracture.Case presentationA 59-year-old man with a postoperative union of a left tibial plateau fracture after open reduction and internal fixation complained of severe pain in the wound region on the first morning after implant removal surgery, and the incision was severely swollen and filled with hemorrhagic content. On the second morning, the patient’s symptoms were aggravated progressively. The patient experienced delirium on the third morning after surgery, and a physical examination revealed subcutaneous crepitus extending along the length of the limb, and roentgenograms revealed the accumulation of gas in soft tissue. Gas gangrene was highly suspected, and the left femoral amputation was performed the following night at approximately 11 p.m. General supportive therapy and antibiotic therapy were given subsequently, and the patient was recovered and discharged after his vital signs were stable.ConclusionsAlthough gas gangrene is rare, its high mortality and disability indicate that we should pay attention to its prophylaxis, and strict aseptic techniques should be emphasized for even the most minor procedure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%