Gas Gangrene in a Closed Pelvic Injury

Abstract

Gas gangrene in a closed pelvic injury is very rare phenomenon and we could not find many reported cases in the literature. Radiographs are not enough for diagnosis and computed tomography (CT) is not widely available yet in primary health center. Basic management includes surgical debridement with incision and drainage of necrotic tissue of the involved area, antibiotic therapy, and surgical intensive care. Delay of the surgical debridement for >12 h is associated with higher overall morbidity. The aerobic and anaerobic bacteria with the indigenous commensal of the pelvis results in the production of exotoxins that leads to severe rapid tissue necrosis and the synthesis of insoluble gases characteristic of subcutaneous emphysema or Fournier's gangrene. Although gas gangrene is often diagnosed clinically, emergency CT can support in early diagnosis with accurate assessment of the disease extent. CT not only helps evaluate the pelvic bony structures but also helps assess the spread of disease in the abdomen and pelvis. The mainstay of the management includes surgical debridement with incision and drainage of necrotic tissue of involved area, antibiotic therapy, and surgical intensive care. Early diagnosis remains the mainstay of the treatment of Gas gangrene. It is important to diagnose these life-threatening conditions and treat them as early as possible. Due to the rarity of such events and the unavailability of gold standard diagnostic and treatment modalities, it is very difficult to prevent the mortality for such patients. There is a need for a better treatment plan to diagnose and manage such patients urgently and not to miss the initial phase of disease progression which is critical for saving the life of the patient.