ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical characteristics and treatment of Fournier's gangrene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 23 cases of Fournier's gangrene, all with flare and pains in the scrotum and penis and different degrees of involvement of the scrotum, penis, perianal area, perineum, inguinal and lower extremities. The patients were treated by early debridement, incision-drainage, anti-infection and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, respectively. Scrotoplasty was performed for 11 of the cases, penile and scrotal dermatoplasty for 7, and penile amputation and urethral fistulation for 2 with penile necrosis. One of the cases underwent suprapubic cystostomy, and another 1 received colostomy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty of the patients were recovered and 3 (1 with diabetes and 1 with AIDS) died after surgery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fournier's gangrene is a fatal disease. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are essential for the management of the disease.</p>