Case Report: The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Abscess Drainage

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but well-documented condition in medical literature. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a soft tissue infection typically caused by multiple microorganisms, leading to necrosis in the fascia and subcutaneous tissue while generally sparing the skin and muscles. The most common pathogenic microorganisms found in the affected areas are Group A Streptococcus hemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium, and Salmonella. The most commonly affected areas are the trunk, abdomen, perineum, and extremities; however, the head and neck regions are rarely involved. If not promptly diagnosed and treated, necrotizing fasciitis can progress rapidly, involving the subcutaneous tissue, skin, deep fascia, and muscles, resulting in extensive necrosis, severe systemic toxicity, and potentially death. This report will discuss the medical background, etiology, precipitating factors, clinical presentation, and treatment of this infection. Early diagnosis, aggressive surgical intervention, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and supportive therapy (including hyperbaric oxygen therapy) are crucial for the effective management of this fatal infection. This case report describes the treatment of a 58-year-old female patient who presented to our clinic with long-standing submandibular abscess symptoms and developed necrotizing fasciitis secondary to abscess drainage, managed with the adjunctive use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.