FOURNIER'S GANGRENE: A REVIEW OF 15 CASES

Abstract

Objectives

Material and methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Early recognition, timed presentation followed by aggressive resuscitation, proper intravenous

antibiotics as well as extensive multiple debridments are significant factors to affect the outcome in the

surgical treatment of Fournier's gangrene.

All 15 patients were males with an age range of 41-65 years (mean: 52.46 years). According to

their medical record concomitant weakening illnesses like diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, malignancy and

immunosuppression were common risk factors. Six (40%) patients who survived and 3 (20%) patients who

died had at least one of the aforementioned co morbid conditions. The most frequent co morbid condition

was diabetes mellitus affecting 5 (33.33%) patients. E.coli, hemolytic streptococci and staphylococcus

aureus were the common pathogens isolated. After admission they were resuscitated, parenteral broadspectrum

antibiotics were started and extensive multiple debridments were done. Hospital stay ranged from

9 to 35 days with a mean hospital stay of 21.66 days. Mortality rate was 3 (20%) patients.

This retrospective study evaluated 15 patients with Fournier's gangrene who had

been managed in the Surgical Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital from July 2005 to June 2006.

Their medical records were thoroughly studied. Study variables like co morbidities/risk factors, clinical

features and surgical procedures were analyzed to determine their influence on the outcome.

: To report the outcome of surgical management of Fournier's gangrene.