Comprehensive management of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and fungal infections after penetrating chest injury: a case of complex infection in a patient treated for a postinjury wound

This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment process of a middle-aged male patient who developed multidrug-resistant bacterial infection and fungal infection after a fall injury. The patient sustained a penetrating injury to the right chest with pain and bleeding at multiple sites following the fall. After receiving emergency surgery, thoracic drainage, and comprehensive anti-infection treatment at the original hospital, he developed right empyema and wound infection on the 15th postoperative day, which were accompanied by a high fever and multiple organ dysfunction. The patient was subsequently transferred to our department. Upon admission, the patient was already in infectious shock, with significant fungal growth observed on the right chest wall. Through multidisciplinary joint diagnosis and treatment, we actively debrided the patient's wound, applied VSD negative pressure drainage technology multiple times, and developed a comprehensive treatment plan targeting multidrug-resistant bacterial infection and fungal infection. After 30 days of active treatment, the patient's condition improved, and he was discharged smoothly without any complications. This case emphasizes the importance of effective management and multidisciplinary joint diagnosis and treatment in addressing complex infections that may arise in the late stages of severe trauma, providing valuable insights for clinicians handling similar cases.