Fournier gangrene: what’s new in treatment?

Abstract

Fournier gangrene is necrotic, life-threatening fasciitis occurring in the perineal region and within external sexual organs and anus. It may extend to the abdominal cavity, leading to soft tissue necrosis and sepsis. The article presents current methods of diagnosis and treatment of necrotising fasciitis (Fournier gangrene being a part of this disease) based on the medical literature and experience of two urological wards. The following methods are discussed: isotonic salt and balanced crystalloid fluids, antibiotics, steroids, immunoglobulin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, surgical debridement and split-thickness mesh grafting. At the beginning broad spectrum antibiotics were administrated for the patients, according with local guidelines therapeutic committee and results of specimens for Gram’s staining and culture and laboratory tests. After receiving antibiogram prompt antibiotic treatment was continued. Cystostomy was done for everyone. Active dressing was applied rarely. Mortality was not observed in this group of patients. Fournier gangrene frequently ends with death due to sepsis, ARDS, or insufficiency of the kidneys, liver or other organs. Early diagnosis, careful debridement and application of a proper antibiotic are the basic factors that reduce mortality and improve treatment outcomes.