Fournier's gangrene as a possible surgical complication of COVID-19: Two case reports and literature review

Abstract

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare form of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineal, perianal, or genital areas. The infection is usually seen in diabetic, alcoholic, or immunosuppressed patients. Urgent debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics are the first-line therapy, where in some cases soft tissue reconstruction is required. We report two patients who developed FG during COVID-19 infection. None of the patients had a history of diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, or immune deficiency. The only reported health condition was COVID-19 infection. Emergent debridement and elective reconstruction were performed for both of the patients. High index of suspicion is required during the examination of the perineum and the genitalia of suspected patients with COVID-19 infection for early diagnosis and prevention of further complications. Larger studies are required to indicate the exact incidence of FG in patients with COVID 19 infection.