This protocol addresses gas gangrene caused by Clostridium species — clostridial myonecrosis — specifically in the situation where a full course of initial comprehensive treatment has not achieved the goal of arresting infection and preserving a functional limb.
Gas gangrene can be grouped into clostridial and non-clostridial forms depending on the causative bacteria. Clostridium species are the most common cause, which is why the condition is also known as clostridial myonecrosis. This page covers the clostridial form at the point where the first-line treatment strategy has been exhausted without the intended outcome.
The prior line consisted of immediate comprehensive treatment combining aggressive surgical debridement with fasciotomy, wound cleaning, antibiotic therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and systemic support.
That treatment aimed to arrest the infective process and limit the extent of tissue necrosis, with conservation of a functional limb. Failure to reach those goals is the trigger for escalation to this protocol.
Gas gangrene can be grouped into clostridial and non-clostridial forms, depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Gas gangrene is also called ‘clostridial myonecrosis’ because Clostridium species are the most common cause of the infection.
Without timely debridement, gas gangrene may progress to the extremities, which may result in amputation.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010577.pub2
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