What it is
Gas gangrene (clostridial myonecrosis) is a rapidly spreading muscle infection caused by Clostridium bacteria — organisms that thrive precisely where oxygen is absent. It destroys tissue within hours and is fatal without aggressive treatment.
How hyperbaric oxygen helps
These bacteria are anaerobes: oxygen is toxic to them. At 2.5–3.0 ATA, tissue oxygen rises to levels that halt bacterial growth and — critically — stop production of the alpha-toxin that does the killing. HBOT doesn't replace surgery and antibiotics; it makes them work better and can reduce how much tissue must be removed.
What treatment looks like
Intensive: typically three sessions in the first 24 hours alongside emergency surgery, then twice daily until the infection is controlled — usually 5–10 sessions total.
- A true team effort: surgeon, infectious disease, and hyperbaric medicine together.
- Every hour counts; this is hospital-level emergency care.
- Fully covered as an emergency indication.
The evidence, honestly
Grade A — Strong Evidence
Supported by randomized trials and/or decades of consistent clinical results.
Our structured research library — with every study linked from this page — arrives with the next site update. Ask us for the citations any time in the meantime.
Common questions
Does HBOT replace surgery for gas gangrene?
No. Surgery and antibiotics remain essential. HBOT is the adjunct that stops toxin production and can meaningfully reduce tissue loss — the three together outperform any alone.
Educational content, not medical advice — see our medical disclaimer. *Medicare coverage requires meeting clinical criteria; we verify yours for free. Last medically reviewed July 2026 by Dr. David Greene, MD.