The impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the rate of wound healing in Fournier’s gangrene

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the rate of wound healing in Fournier’s gangrene. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 13 patients treated for Fournier’s gangrene at the Military Institute of Medicine from October 2017 to November 2020. The study group consisted of males (n = 13) aged 24 to 83 years. Two groups of patients were distinguished: group 1 – patients who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjuvant treatment, group 2 – patients who did not undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Results: In the first group, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used as an adjuvant treatment of wound healing in in 8/13 patients (62%) with Fournier’s gangrene. In this group, significant acceleration of this process and shorter hospital stay were observed (mean = 29 days). In the second group, the hospitalisation time was significantly longer (mean = 51 days) in 5 out of 13 patients (38%). There were no deaths in either group 1 or group 2. Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective adjuvant therapy in the treatment of Fournier’s gangrene. It has an impact on the rate of wound healing and shorter hospitalisation time.