NECROTIZING FASCIITIS & HYPERBARIC MEDICINE: A PLASTIC SURGEON’S PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Pradeoth Korambayil*
ABSTRACT
Aim: To study the effectiveness of hyperbaric medicine in necrotizing fasciitis wounds and evolve a protocol for management with combined surgical modality. Methods: This study was carried out in the Plastic surgery department, from December 2016 to September 2018. A total of 11 patients with Necrotizing fasciitis subjected to hyperbaric oxygen therapy during the management were enrolled in the study. The results regarding the changes in wound and complications were noted. Results: Out of 11 patients, all patients were diabetic. 3 patients were fournier’s gangrene, eight patients were necrotizing fasciitis involving the lower extremity. Two patients did not require any surgical intervention while 9 required multiple debridement and soft tissue reconstruction in terms of skin grafting. Conclusion: Hyperbaric therapy is a useful adjunct for surgery in management of necrotizing fasciitis.
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