[Gas gangrene: A discussion of 3 cases and review of the literature].

Three patients with gas gangrene of the lower limbs are presented. In 2 of the 3 patients gas gangrene developed after lower-limb amputation, indications for amputation being atherosclerotic and diabetic gangrene. In the third patient associated leukaemia was diagnosed. All 3 patients presented with the typical clinical manifestations of gas gangrene. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from the affected leg in each patient. The current application of surgery and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of gas gangrene is discussed.