[Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in gas gangrene (author's transl)]

Among 100 patients with proven gas gangrene surgical treatment was undertaken in 34 who also received 30--60 mega-units of penicillin, in addition to appropriate shock treatment. Since 1967, additional treatment in a hyperbaric chamber was undertaken in 66 patients. There was no clear-cut advantage of hyperbaric oxygenation as far as the death-rate was concerned. There was merely a moderate decrease in the amputation rate after limb injuries. Wide incision of the wound and radical surgical excision of all tissue affected by gas gangrene continues to be an essential form of treatment.