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Hyperbaric oxygen in anaerobic infection of the mediastinum

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

I. Monies-Chass ,
H. Z. Joachims  and
M. M. Altman
I. Monies-Chass
Affiliation:
Depts. of E.N.T. and Anaesthesia, Rambam University Hospital, Haifa, Israel
H. Z. Joachims
Affiliation:
Depts. of E.N.T. and Anaesthesia, Rambam University Hospital, Haifa, Israel
M. M. Altman
Affiliation:
Depts. of E.N.T. and Anaesthesia, Rambam University Hospital, Haifa, Israel
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Abstract

IN the last decade hyperbaric oxygen has been recognized as an important therapeutic tool in a variety of instances in which either destruction of anaerobic bacteria is urgent or an improvement in the oxygenation level is mandatory. We have usede it successfully in a case of mediastinal anaerobic infection (gas gangrene) after medical and surgical measures had failed to eradicate the disease.

The causative organism of gas gangrene, Clostridium perfringens (Welchii), is widely distributed. It may be cultured from the soil, house dust, human skin and faeces, etc. For this reason infection with Clostridium is practically inevitable whenever suitable conditions arise. As an anaerobic bacterium Clostridium Welchii multiplies readily in damaged tissues without cantact with the air and devoid of a normal blood supply. This occurs especially in road accidents and war wounds in which broken bones and crushed muscles provide a suitable medium for the infection (Altmeier 1965). Sometimes this infection can occur too after abdominal or gynaecological operations (Hitchcock, 1965).

We present here a case of mediastinal gas gangrene which was caused by perforation of the oesophagus by a swallowed foreign body.

Type
Clinical records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 89 , Issue 11 , November 1975 , pp. 1147 - 1150
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1975

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References

REFERENCES

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