[Gas gangrene (author's transl)].

Gas gangrene which is due to clostridial contamination of a wound is a rare disease. The clinical picture is quite characteristic. Untreated the disease has a near 100% mortality for which reason treatment should be started as early as possible. Surgical debridement remains the therapeutic cornerstone. Administration of antibiotics is recommended and the efficacy of treatment with hyperbaric oxygen is beyond doubt. The only proven prophylactic means consists in the proper surgical management of wounds.