Fournier's gangrene: a report of 18 cases

ABSTRACT

Infective gangrene of scrotum and/or penis is infrequent occurrence. Eighteen patients who underwent operative debridement and skin coverage for Fournier's gangrene were reviewed. Their age ranged between 22 and 72 years. The most common predisposing factors were diabetes, perianal abscesses, perianal surgery, uremia and local trauma. The most frequently isolated organisms were Gram-positive cocci particularly Staph. aureus in addition to a variety of Gram- negative bacilli. Massive doses of parenteral antibiotics and wide local debridement were the key for the successful treatment. No case orchidectomy was indicated. Split-thickness skin grafts to cover the granulating surfaces after serial debridements and dressings were of significant effect in decreasing hospital stay. The two resultant deathes produced 11% mortality rate