Fournier's syndrome: synergistic gangrene of the scrotum.

Progressive spread of necrosis in the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the scrotum is the key feature of idiopathic scrotal gangrene. The disease may present initially as an acute abdomen, but laparotomy should be avoided. Usually an anaerobic Streptococcus is found, acting in synergism with aerobic, frequently gram-negative, bacilli. As in other synergistic gangrenes, wide dibridement with drainage of all sinus tracts is required. Although the testicles are frequently bared, they are usually not necrotic and should not be amputated. Once the infection has resolved, a surprising amount of skin coverage, including coverage of the testicles, can often be obtained from the scrotal remnants.