Gangrene Gas

Gas gangrene

Gas gangrene is a pathological process caused by an anaerobic spore-forming clostridial infection. It is accompanied by progressive swelling and necrosis of soft tissues, gas formation and severe intoxication of the body with bacterial toxins and tissue breakdown products.

The disease is caused by obligate anaerobes (Clostridium perfringens, Cl. oedematiens, Cl. septicum, Cl. histolyticum) living in soil and dust. Wounds infected with soil, with wound pockets, areas of necrosis, poor blood supply, and not subjected to primary surgical treatment, are predisposed to gas gangrene.

The pathogen quickly acquires virulence, releasing gas-forming and tissue-dissolving exo- and endotoxins, which contribute to the rapid spread of infection.

Symptoms and course

The incubation period can last from several hours to 7 days. In typical cases, already 6 hours after infection, disturbances in the general condition with tachycardia and fever occur. The skin takes on a gray-blue color. The wound is sharply painful, its edges are pale, swollen, lifeless. The bottom of the wound is dry. The color of the muscles resembles boiled meat. When pressing on the edges of the wound, gas bubbles with a sweetish-putrid odor are released from the tissues. Crepitus is determined by palpation.

The patient's condition quickly deteriorates and shock develops. Tissue swelling does not leave a mark when pressed. Gas formation begins in deep tissues. To detect gas, radiography is used, which reveals the “porosity” of the muscles.

There are several forms of gas gangrene: emphysematous, edematous, mixed, necrotic, phlegmonous and tissue-melting. There are lightning-fast and acute forms along the flow.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with epifascial gas-forming phlegmon and putrefactive infection.

Treatment

Incisions of the skin, muscles, and fascia are used with excision of necrotic areas. The wound is drained, washed with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotics, and remains open. The limb is immobilized.

Antigangrenous serums and high doses of penicillin and tetracyclines are prescribed. With rapidly increasing intoxication, the limb is amputated without applying a tourniquet or sutures. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in combination with surgical debridement.

The prognosis is always very serious. Prevention consists of timely primary surgical treatment of all infected wounds.

Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection that can occur after exposure to toxic substances such as gas, or after severe trauma or skin surgery. Unlike regular gangrene, which is caused by bacteria, gas gangrene is caused by anaerobic bacteria that require the absence of oxygen to survive and reproduce. Gas gangrene is a very dangerous disease that can lead to death if not treated correctly and quickly. Here