Perforation of descending colonic cancer as a rare cause of gas gangrene of the lower limb in an 80-year-old female: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Gas gangrene is a rare, severe gas-producing infection that can be related to colorectal cancer. Gas gangrene can be confirmed by radiologic findings and crepitation on touch. Spontaneous gas gangrene can be associated with colorectal cancer. An 80-year-old female complaint about a sudden abdominal pain, accompanied with progressive swelling pain in thigh and fever. Diagnosis based on assessment findings were gas gangrene and descending colonic cancer perforation. Emergency surgery was performed for debridement and drainage, followed by vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) with polyurethane (PU). Two more surgical interventions were given before the colonic tumor surgery. The patient recovered well in the long-term follow-up. This report demonstrates the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a successful case of gas gangrene caused by perforation of descending colonic cancer. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and reasonable use of VSD (PU) material played an important role in the treatment of this case.