The use of oxygen in Fournier's gangrene

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.