Decreasing Mortality by utilizing Hyperbaric Oxygen as an Adjunctive Treatment in the patient with Fournier's Gangrene

            Literature reviews reveal that using Hyperbaric Oxygen as an adjunctive treatment in the care of patients’ with Fournier’s Gangrene decreases mortality by up to 80% (Gesell, L., 2008).

Case Study: A 50 year old female patient presented to the ER on 1012/2010 with a complaint of severe perineal pain and “lumps” in her perineal area. Upon examination the patient stated she had developed redness in the perineal area on 10/8/2010 and began taking an antibiotic and sitz baths. Upon examination in the ER the surgeon immediately prepped the patient for surgery. At that time a diagnosis of Fournier’s Gangrene was made. Upon notification of the condition of the patient the Hyperbaric team evaluated the patient and after discussing the case with the surgeon the determination was made to initiate hyperbaric medicine. 5 hyperbaric treatments were performed at 2ATA for 90 minutes. The patient was on IV antibiotics. The surgeon expected the need to perform multiple debridements, however, after the initiation of hyperbaric oxygen the surgeon determined no further surgical debridement was needed. Initial measurements of the wound on 10/262010 when the patient entered outpatient wound care were 17X32X4. On 12/18/2010 the patient achieved complete healing.