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

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.