Chronic Mega Giant Carbuncle of the Nape of the Neck: A Rare Case Report
Abstract
Govindbhai Jashvantlal Purohit
Background: Carbuncles are usually small clusters of furuncles, commonly occurring in diabetics, but rarely they can attain massive size.
Case Presentation: We report a 35-year-old male with a chronic giant carbuncle over the nape of neck, measuring 17 × 15 × 12 cm. Patient presented with extensive necrosis, foul smelling discharge, and severe pain. Management involved wide cruciate incision, debridement, necrosectomy, thorough lavage, and staged wound care. Subsequent reinforcement closure was achieved using stainless steel wires and non-absorbable sutures.
Outcome: The patient recovered uneventfully with complete wound healing.
Conclusion: Giant carbuncles of this size are extremely rare. Prompt surgical debridement, infection control, and staged closure are essential for good outcomes.