title: Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the efficacy of operation, antibiotic treatment, hyperbaric oxygen, and surgical intensive care in the management of Fournier's gangrene.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital, Finland.
  
  
  METHODS
  33 patients, most of them referred from other hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Debridement, broad spectrum antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment at 2.5 atmospheres absolute pressure. Excision of necrotic tissue and incisions in the affected areas. Urinary and faecal diversions when necessary.
  
  
  METHODS
  Morbidity and mortality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only three patients died (9%). Hyperbaric oxygen reduced systemic toxicity, prevented extension of the necrotising infection, and increased demarcation, thereby improving the overall outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To reduce mortality and morbidity, effective treatment of Fournier's gangrene should be started promptly. Debridement and antibiotics combined with surgical intensive care must be started as soon as possible. Hyperbaric oxygen is both life and tissue saving. It is an important adjunct that prevents extension of necrosis and reduces systemic toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Korhonen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hirn
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Niinikoski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D018934:Fournier Gangrene / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies