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Evaluation of the healing progress of phlegmon related to type 2 diabetes treated with the local hyperbaric oxygen therapy


- University of Jan Długosz in Częstochowa, Institute of Physical Education Tourism and Physiotherapy, Armii Krajowej St. 13/15, 42-200 Częstochowa
- Medical University of Silesia in Katowice School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Stefana Batorego 15, 41-901 Bytom
open access
Abstract
Introduction. Phlegmon is a disease which causes purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, being
of unlimited character. This disease does not only affect the external coverings of the body; it may also be
transmitted to the internal organs, and lead to their insufficiency.
Case report. The study presents the results of the physical therapy applied to phlegmon located in the right
shank and foot of a 57-year old patient with type 2 diabetes after an ineffective typical symptomatic treatment.
A local hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used in this treatment which utilizes the therapeutic effect of gases
with high oxygen content close to 100%,exceeding the pressure of one atmosphere.
Results. After completion of the 4-month therapy complete regression of pain symptoms was achieved assessed
accordingly to the VAS scale, as well as the complete healing of wounds, reduction of the inflammatory
reaction and skin congestion, thanks to which the amputation of the limb turned out not to be necessary. The
thermographic assessment performed after the completion of the treatment confirmed normalization of the
previously reduced temperature of tissues in the area of healed wounds.
Conclusions. The obtained initial results indicate that the therapy with the use of the local hyperbaric oxygen
therapy may constitute a useful adjunctive method for treatment of patients whose wounds are hard to heal,
including wounds with inflammatory origin.
Abstract
Introduction. Phlegmon is a disease which causes purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, being
of unlimited character. This disease does not only affect the external coverings of the body; it may also be
transmitted to the internal organs, and lead to their insufficiency.
Case report. The study presents the results of the physical therapy applied to phlegmon located in the right
shank and foot of a 57-year old patient with type 2 diabetes after an ineffective typical symptomatic treatment.
A local hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used in this treatment which utilizes the therapeutic effect of gases
with high oxygen content close to 100%,exceeding the pressure of one atmosphere.
Results. After completion of the 4-month therapy complete regression of pain symptoms was achieved assessed
accordingly to the VAS scale, as well as the complete healing of wounds, reduction of the inflammatory
reaction and skin congestion, thanks to which the amputation of the limb turned out not to be necessary. The
thermographic assessment performed after the completion of the treatment confirmed normalization of the
previously reduced temperature of tissues in the area of healed wounds.
Conclusions. The obtained initial results indicate that the therapy with the use of the local hyperbaric oxygen
therapy may constitute a useful adjunctive method for treatment of patients whose wounds are hard to heal,
including wounds with inflammatory origin.
Keywords
phlegmon, chronic wounds, treatment, local hyperbaric oxygen therapy


Title
Evaluation of the healing progress of phlegmon related to type 2 diabetes treated with the local hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Journal
Issue
Pages
93-97
Published online
2018-10-25
Page views
1024
Article views/downloads
981
DOI
10.5603/AA.2018.0017
Bibliographic record
Acta Angiologica 2018;24(3):93-97.
Keywords
phlegmon
chronic wounds
treatment
local hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Authors
Jarosław Pasek
Grzegorz Cieślar
Aleksander Sieroń


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