[Fournier's gangrene. Our experience over 10 years. A review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience over the last 10 years with Fournier's gangrene, an extensive fulminant infection of the perineoscrotal region, and to review the literature.

METHODS

The medical records of 9 patients with Fournier's gangrene that had been diagnosed from January 1988 to December 1997 were reviewed. Patient age, etiology and predisposing factors, microbiological findings, duration of hospital stay, treatment and outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years (range 43-71). The source of the gangrene was perirectal (22.22%), urinary (66.66%) and cutaneous (11.11%). Predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, malnutrition and low socio-economic status. All patients were treated with surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. Two patients underwent delayed reconstructive surgery. Cystostomy was performed in 100% of the cases. Two patients died from severe sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia is a severe condition with a high morbidity and mortality. Good management is based on aggressive debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics and intensive supportive care.