[Gas gangrene--still a diagnostic and therapeutic problem]

From 1970 to 1980 132 patients were admitted to our Dept. under the diagnosis of gas gangrene. In 54 cases there was no bacteriological evidence of clostridium perfringens. In all patients surgery was performed immediately, followed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The overall mortality rate among 78 patients with proven gas gangrene came up to 38%, the amputation after limb injuries to 55%. In our experience we can not state a clear cut advantage of hyperbaric oxygenation as far as the death rate is concerned.