A 50-year-old female diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and high-dosage prednisone was presented to our department with a massive and painful swelling in the cubital area of her left arm after an extravasate with doxorubicin. As an initial surgical treatment, we incised the wound following local debridement. Within 7 days of appropriate treatment with daily wound lavage and antibiotic therapy, the affected wound area impressed with nearly complete necrosis. Therefore, necrectomy of the necrotic tissue was performed revealing a tissue defect of the complete proximal third of the left palmar forearm. After a prolonged hospitalization coupled with several repetitive debridements, antibiotic therapy, as well as the immobilization of the left arm in a cast, the wound finally appeared vital and surgically clean. We decided to close the wound by performing a free parascapular flap to the left forearm (Figure 1 ). Perioperatively, the patient received her regular prednisone dosage plus an extra-dosage during surgery. Both the flap and the wound healing were monitored carefully. After 5 days, a small dehiscence with serous outflow on the proximal wound occurred. After daily lavage and alginate wound dressing commenced, the wound healing was uncomplicated and finally, the patient could be discharged after a hospitalization period of nearly 10 weeks.
A 46-year-old male was presented to us with the fatal diagnosis of Fournier’s gangrene after receiving his first episodes of chemotherapy comprising of vincristine and prednisone due to a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After an immediate debridement of the necrotic scrotal area reconstructive surgery was performed already two days later with loco-regional flaps from both sides. With good wound healing and stabilized overall condition, the patient could be discharged to rehab after being hospitalized for more than 12 weeks.