Fournier's gangrene

Real-time identification of life-threatening necrotizing soft-tissue infections using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

Significance

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are life-threatening infections with a cumulative case fatality rate of 21%. The initial presentation of an NSTI is non-specific, frequently leading to misdiagnosis and delays in care. No current strategies yield an accurate, real-time diagnosis of an NSTI.

Aim

A first-in-kind, observational, clinical pilot study tested the hypothesis that measurable fluorescence signal voids occur in NSTI-affected tissues following intravenous administration and imaging of perfusion-based indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence. This hypothesis is based on the established knowledge that NSTI is associated with local microvascular thrombosis.

Approach

Adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department of a tertiary care medical center at high risk for NSTI were prospectively enrolled and imaged with a commercial fluorescence imager. Single-frame fluorescence snapshot and first-pass perfusion kinetic parameters-ingress slope (IS), time-to-peak (TTP) intensity, and maximum fluorescence intensity (IMAX)-were quantified using a dynamic contrast-enhanced fluorescence imaging technique. Clinical variables (comorbidities, blood laboratory values), fluorescence parameters, and fluorescence signal-to-background ratios (SBRs) were compared to final infection diagnosis.

Results

Fourteen patients were enrolled and imaged (six NSTI, six cellulitis, one diabetes mellitus-associated gangrene, and one osteomyelitis). Clinical variables demonstrated no statistically significant differences between NSTI and non-NSTI patient groups (p -value ≥ 0.22 ). All NSTI cases exhibited prominent fluorescence signal voids in affected tissues, including tissue features not visible to the naked eye. All cellulitis cases exhibited a hyperemic response with increased fluorescence and no distinct signal voids. Median lesion-to-background tissue SBRs based on snapshot, IS, TTP, and IMAX parameter maps ranged from 3.2 to 9.1, 2.2 to 33.8, 1.0 to 7.5, and 1.5 to 12.7, respectively, for the NSTI patient group. All fluorescence parameters except TTP demonstrated statistically significant differences between NSTI and cellulitis patient groups (p -value < 0.05 ).

Conclusions

Real-time, accurate discrimination of NSTIs compared with non-necrotizing infections may be possible with perfusion-based ICG fluorescence imaging.

Fournier's gangrene: a review of predictive scoring systems and practical guide for patient management

This article aims to provide a practical guide for patient management and an overview of the predictive scorings for Fournier's gangrene (FG) that are available to aid clinicians. A literature was performed reviewing currently used scoring systems for FG and presenting a practical guide for its management based on the available evidence. There are four specific scoring systems available for the assessment of FG although few other non-specific and generic tools also exist. These specific tools include Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, and Simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index and help calculate expected mortality. Our proposed algorithm covers primary assessment, resuscitative interventions, initial investigations, urgent care, post-operative care, and long-term follow-up. The management of the FG patient can be divided into initial resuscitation, surgical debridement, ongoing ward management with antibiotic therapy, wound reconstruction, and long-term follow-up. Each facet of care is vital and requires multidisciplinary team expertise for optimal outcomes. Whilst mortality continues to improve, it remains significant, reflecting the severe and life-threatening nature of FG. More research is certainly needed into how this care is individualised, and to ensure that long-term outcomes in FG include quality of life measures after discharge.

Fournier's gangrene and fecal diversion. When, in which patients, and what type should I perform?

INTRODUCTION

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineum and urogenital tissue. The mortality rate is high although early detection and aggressive debridement can reduce mortality by up to 16%. The prevalence of sequelae is very high and a colostomy is often necessary to control the perineal wound.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out to recruit all patients operated on by the General Surgery and Urology Departments with a diagnosis of GF at the University Hospital over 22 years. Mortality, the Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI), and fecal diversion (either surgical (colostomy) or straight (Flexi-seal)) are collected.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients met the inclusion criteria. FG's most frequent cause was a perianal abscess (107 patients-72%). Eighteen patients (12%) died of a specific cause of FG. Age (p = 0.014) and patients with an oncological history (p = 0.038) both were the only mortality risk factors for mortality according to logistic regression. Fifty patients required some form of fecal diversion in the postoperative period (32 colostomies and 18 Flexi-seal). Neither the use of postoperative fecal diversion (surgical or Flexi-seal) nor the timing of its use had any effect on postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

One in eight patients died in the immediate postoperative period secondary to FG. Despite improved outcomes, 22% required a colostomy during admission. However, neither the performance of a colostomy nor the timing was associated with decreased FG-associated mortality. Non-invasive methods should be used first and surgical bowel diversion should be postponed as long as possible.

Fournier's gangrene with retroperitoneal extension, a case report

BACKGROUND

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a polymicrobial, both aerobic and anaerobic, synergistic necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, or perianal regions. It is a rapidly progressive and fulminant soft tissue infection and it is potentially fatal. Fournier's gangrene has been shown to be strongly associated with diabetes, chronic alcoholism, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), lymphoproliferative diseases, chronic steroid abuse, and cytotoxic drugs.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 25-year-old Ethiopian male patient with no previous medical history presented to the emergency department with a four-day history of perineal pain, swelling, and discharge. Associated with this he had a high-grade fever and one episode of vomiting of ingested matter. On examination, he was febrile, tachycardic, and hypotensive. He had a grossly necrotic scrotum and palpable crepitus extending to the left lower anterior abdominal wall.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

On investigations, he had elevated leukocyte count, random blood sugar, low hemoglobin, and elevated creatinine levels. Subsequently, the patient was admitted and was started with broad-spectrum antibiotics and multiple debridements were done along with other supportive measures. Finally, the patient was discharged improved after 17 days of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressive, fulminant infection. Nevertheless, prompt diagnosis can be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion. Early diagnosis and appropriate management have paramount importance in reducing mortality and morbidity in these patients.

Ultrasonic Debridement of Fournier Gangrene

Ultrasonic debridement devices are minimally invasive and effective for biofilm removal, allowing for debridement of necrotic tissue while minimizing damage to normal tissues, such as the blood vessels and nerves. The use of ultrasonic debridement has been reported for foot ulcers and pressure ulcers but not Fournier gangrene. The perineal area, which is difficult to surgically debride using electrocautery, is a suitable site for the use of an ultrasonic debridement device because of its proximity to vital organs. We report here a case of Fournier gangrene that healed with testicular sparing using an ultrasonic debridement device.

Global outcomes and lessons learned in the management of Fournier's gangrene from high-volume centres: findings from a literature review over the last two decades

INTRODUCTION

Fournier's Gangrene (FG) carries a high mortality and morbidity with underreported short and long-term outcomes. Our aim was to perform a review of the recent literature to evaluate the short and long-term outcomes in patients with FG in the acute setting from large-scale studies.

METHODS

A PubMed search was performed between January 2000 and December 2021 for studies reporting on patients with FG. Exclusion criteria included small samples (n < 100), review articles and animal studies. Primary outcomes of interest were mortality, number of operative episodes for surgical debridement and admission to intensive care unit (ICU). Other outcomes assessed included rate of faecal and urinary diversion, orchidectomy rate, penectomy rate and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

From a total of 1182 studies, 18 were eligible for inclusion and included in this review. In total, data were analysed from 13,903 FG patients. Mean inpatient mortality rate was 7.3% (range 4.7-40.4%). Mean number of surgical debridement operations performed was 1.8 (range 1.5-4.2). On average, 6.8% (range 3.6-50.5%) and 7% (range 1.2-53.2%) underwent faecal and urinary diversions, respectively. Mean rate of orchidectomy was 5.6%, with rate of penectomy being lower at 0.2%. The mean length of hospital stay was 18.5 days (range 13.0-26.6). On average, 17.5% (range 10.1%-67.5%) required ICU admission for at least a single-system support.

CONCLUSION

Our review from the past twenty years of literature suggests that the mortality for FG, whilst still high, has fallen compared to previous years. Whilst inpatient metrics are well-covered in the literature there is a lack of large-scale studies detailing long-term patient outcomes.

An Unusual Bacterial Etiology of Fournier’s Gangrene in an Immunocompetent Patient

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is necrotizing fasciitis that affects the penis, scrotum, or perineum. Males are more likely to get affected by this disease. The most common predisposing risk factors are diabetes, alcoholism, hypertension, smoking, and immunosuppressive disorders. FG is a polymicrobial infection caused by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The most common aerobic organisms are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. The most common anaerobic organisms are Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Peptostreptococcus. The disease carries high mortality and morbidity, so timely diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance.

Here, we report a case of a 61-year-old male with a medical history significant for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), who presented to our hospital with fever, watery diarrhea, and painful swelling of the scrotum and penis. The patient was started on piperacillin-tazobactam, vancomycin, and clindamycin. A computed tomography scan of the pelvis showed prostatic enlargement, edema of the penis and scrotum, and air collection within the corpus cavernosum. The patient underwent multiple surgical debridements of the glans penis. Patient wound cultures were positive for Streptococcus anginosus, Actinomyces turicensis, and Peptoniphilus harei. As mentioned earlier, FG is common in diabetic and immunocompromised patients, and infection is usually polymicrobial. Our patient was immunocompetent and his cultures grew atypical organisms.

A rare case of retroperitoneal extension in Fournier's gangrene: A case report and review of literature

Introduction and importance

Retroperitoneal extension is a rare and fatal complication of Fournier's gangrene (FG) which mandates immediate surgical intervention for better outcome.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a history of bilateral painful scrotal swelling for 7 days with fever and abdominal pain for 3 days. On his general examination, he was septic with necrotic patches in the perineum and bilateral scrotum. Imaging revealed soft tissue gas and collections in scrotum extending to the right retroperitoneum with massive collection suggestive of retroperitoneal abscess. Following resuscitation and intravenous antibiotics, immediate exploratory laparotomy was done to drain the retroperitoneal abscess followed by debridement of Fournier's gangrene. The patient remained well on follow up.

Clinical discussion

Fournier gangrene is a fulminant polymicrobial infection of the perineum, scrotum and penis which when complicated by retroperitoneal extension, has a very high mortality. Majority of patients have an immunocompromised condition. Early diagnosis with prompt surgical drainage and debridement (within 6 hours) significantly reduces the mortality.

Conclusion

High index of suspicion, careful clinical examination and timely use of imaging is crucial for early diagnosis of this rare but fatal complication of FG. Furthermore, adequate resuscitation with prompt surgical intervention is the key for a favorable outcome.

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Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a type of necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineum and genital region.

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Retroperitoneal extension of FG is a rare and fatal complication which is usually seen in immunocompromised patients.

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Retroperitoneal abscess should be suspected in patients with FG who present with abdominal pain.

Management of Infectious Emergencies for the Inpatient Dermatologist

Purpose of Review

There are various dermatologic emergencies stemming from bacterial, viral, and fungal etiologies that can present in the inpatient setting. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and diagnosis of infections with cutaneous involvement and highlights new therapies.

Recent Findings

Clindamycin inhibits toxin formation and can be used as an adjunct therapy for the staphylococcal scalded syndrome. Isavuconazole therapy for mucormycosis infection is a less toxic alternative to amphotericin B.

Summary

Diagnosis of these infections is primarily guided by high clinical suspicion and early recognition can prevent dangerous sequelae. Treatment mainstays have been well-established, but there are adjunctive therapies that may potentially benefit the patient.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy decreases mortality due to Fournier's gangrene: a retrospective comparative study

There is no consensus about the role of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the management of Fournier's gangrene. The aim of this study was to compare the evolution of patients with Fournier's gangrene treated with all classical measures with and without adjuvant HBOT. A retrospective comparative study regarding the evolution of patients treated for Fournier's gangrene was conducted in two periods. In period I, from 1990 to 2002, patients received standard treatments for Fournier's gangrene, which consisted of surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy and intensive care. In period II, from 2012 to 2019, adjunctive HBOT was added to the classical management strategy. All patients were assigned into four groups according to the anatomical severity classification and the area affected after the first debridement. This classification ensured that the groups could be comparable. The total number of patients in this study was 197, and these patients were divided into control group (118/59.9%) and HBOT group (79/40.1%). The mean age, comorbidities, and anatomical severity classification were similar between the two groups. In period I, 34 out of 118 (28.8%) patients died, while in the HBOT group, 3 out of 77 (3.7%) patients died (P < 0.001). The use of adjuvant HBOT in combination with classical treatment was associated with reduced mortality. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and the Ethics Committee of Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil (No. 08/2018) on May 2, 2018.

Clinical study of Maggot therapy for Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's Gangrene is a fulminating necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia. Standard treatment involves immediate excision of all necrotic tissue, aggressive antibiotic coverage, and supportive medical care. Still, the infection is commonly fatal or disfiguring. Wound treatment with disinfected blowfly larvae (maggot debridement therapy or MDT) has been shown to be highly effective, with multiple studies demonstrating effective debridement, disinfection, and promotion of granulation tissue. MDT also has been associated with preservation of viable tissue and minimised blood loss. This report describes a prospective clinical study of MDT for Fournier's gangrene aimed to test the hypothesis that early use of maggots could decrease the number of surgical treatments required to treat Fournier's gangrene. Subjects were provided with one initial surgical excision, followed by debridement using only medical grade Lucilia sericata larvae. Only two subjects were enrolled, both diabetic men. Intensive care and culture-directed antimicrobial coverage were administered as usual. Maggot debridement was associated with the disappearance of necrotic tissue, control of infection and granulation tissue growth. In both subjects, wounds healed without requiring further surgical resection or anatomical reconstruction. Maggot therapy decreased the number of surgical procedures that otherwise would have been necessary, and led to favourable outcomes.

MRI of common penile pathologies and penile prostheses

MRI can delineate finer details of penile anatomy and pathology due to inherent higher soft-tissue contrast and spatial resolution. It can characterize inflammation and identify abscesses, localize penile fractures, guide surgical planning in penile fibrosis and Peyronie's disease, and depict components of the penile prosthesis and its complications. MRI is a great investigative tool for penile neoplasms, including locally infiltrative neoplasms where clinical examination is limited, and local staging is crucial for surgical planning.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Focused Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Operative Management, Antimicrobial Therapy, and Pediatrics

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a major health problem throughout the world. The purpose of this review is to assist providers with the care of these patients through a better understanding of the pathophysiology and management options. Methods: This is a collaborative review of the literature between members of the Surgical Infection Society of North America and World Society of Emergency Surgery. Results: Necrotizing fasciitis continues to be difficult to manage with the mainstay being early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Recognition of at-risk populations assists with the initiation of treatment, thereby impacting outcomes. Conclusions: Although there are some additional treatment strategies available, surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapy are central to the successful eradication of the disease process.

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia presenting as necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier gangrene)

We present a case of an unusual presentation of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML), which presented with Fournier gangrene (FG). A 38-year-old man presented with malaise, groin swelling, anal bleeding, fever and was found to have FG. Initial workup revealed pancytopaenia, borderline low fibrinogen, prolonged international normalized ratio (INR), which raised the suspicion for leukaemia. The peripheral blood differential revealed leucopaenia with absolute neutropaenia and a 5% abnormal promyelocytes but no blasts, suspicious for APML. Bone marrow biopsy was performed and fluorescence in situ hydridization (FISH), karyotype and PCR confirmed a t(15;17) translocation, establishing a diagnosis of APML. After 1 month of therapy for intermediate risk APML with All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), repeat chromosomal analysis and repeat bone marrow biopsy revealed no evidence of residual APML. After the consolidation phase was started with ATRA and ATO regimen, the wound healed after 2 months and the patient achieved complete remission.

Case report: treatment of Fournier's gangrene of the shoulder girdle

Fournier's gangrene is a rare, high-mortality infection that affects the subcutaneous tissue with rapidly progressive necrosis. The objective is to report a case of Fournier's gangrene involving the region of the shoulder girdle after closed fracture of the clavicle, and to discuss this unusual evolution. The patient underwent a series of surgical procedures and was followed up on an outpatient basis for 12 months, at which point she was discharged. Fournier's gangrene is an aggressive lesion and requires early diagnosis (clinical-laboratory correlation) with the appropriate adequate surgical approach and clinical stabilization.

Use of photodynamic inactivation for in vitro reduction of prevalent bacteria in Fournier's Gangrene

Fournier's Gangrene (FG) is an infectious disease caused by several synergic microbes, with high morbidity and mortality rates; therefore, the search for new less invasive and mutilating treatments, with faster recovery, has been proposed. Surgical intervention, the use of several systemic and topic antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are currently the best approach for the treatment of these patients. The use of Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) aims to lower morbidity and mortality, by reducing bacterial microbiota and speeding wound healing. In the present study, viable bacteria were separated in four groups: Group L-/F- (no irradiation with red laser and absence of methylene blue photosensitizer), Group L-/F+ (no irradiation with red laser and presence of methylene blue), Group L+/F- (irradiation with red laser and absence of methylene blue) and L+/F+ (irradiation with red laser associated to methylene blue). In all groups, exposure time to treatment was 5, 10 and 15 minutes. The concentration of methylene blue photosensitizer was 0.1mg/L, and the dose of red laser (660nm wave length) was 176.9mW/cm². Following irradiation, the reduction of number of bacteria was evaluated, and the results were expressed in colony forming units (CFU) and as exponential reduction. As the main results, in the L+/F+ group, there were no Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus CFUs and there was a reduction of Escherichia coli that was not observed in the other groups.

Can Hyperbaric OxygenTherapy (HOT) have a Place in the Treatment of some Urological Diseases?

HOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) is used in urological diseases: Scrotal/perineal fasciitis and Radiation-induced cystitis (and proctopathy); in urgency and frequency syndrome and with chronic pelvic pain the use of HOT is still experimental.

The basic principle of HOT is to increase oxygen dissolved in the blood when it is administered at high pressure. 02 is then distributed to the tissues through the pressure gradient; tissue hyper-oxygenation has anti-inflammatory and pain-killing effects, it increases bacterial permeability to antibiotics, strengthens neo-angiogenesis, reinforces lymphocytes and macrophages function, augments testosterone secretion (in males), and finally enhances wound healing process.

We treated with HOT (integrating other treatments) 17 cases of necrotizing fasciitis, 13 radiation-induced cystitis and 4 cases of urgency and frequency syndrome. We always had good results, with a good cleansing of the dissected areas in Fournier's gangrene; in the cases of radiation-induced cystitis we had an improvement in the symptoms and hematuria, and finally in cases of urgency and frequency syndrome we had a transient reduction of symptomatology and pain.

Our experiences and the specific literature on this subject suggest that HOT, sometimes associated with other medical and surgical therapies, can be an effective tool to treat urological diseases; in some cases its efficacy was well demonstrated (Fournier's gangrene and Radiation-induced cystitis), in others (urgency-frequency syndrome and chronic pelvic pain) it is a promising technique which definitely needs further research.

Are there any reasons to change our behavior in necrotizing fasciitis with the advent of new antibiotics?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The treatment of necrotizing fasciitis requires a multifaceted approach, consisting of surgical source control with immediate surgical debridement along with life support, clinical monitoring, and antimicrobial therapy. Many drugs are now available for the treatment of this life-threatening infectious disease, and the purpose of this review is to provide the reader with an updated overview of the newest therapeutic options.

RECENT FINDINGS

Because most necrotizing soft tissue infections are polymicrobial, broad-spectrum coverage is advisable. Acceptable monotherapy regimens include piperacillin-tazobactam or a carbapenem. However, drugs such as ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam in association with an antianaerobic agent (metronidazole or clindamycin) are currently available as valuable alternatives. The new cephalosporins active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), ceftaroline, and ceftobiprole share similar antibacterial activity against Gram-positive cocci, and they might be considered as an alternative to nonbetalactam anti-MRSA agents for necrotizing fasciitis management. Two new long-acting lypoglycopeptides - oritavancin and dalbavancin - share the indications for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and had similar activity against Gram-positive cocci including MRSA and streptococci.

SUMMARY

Carbapenem-sparing agents are particularly suitable for antimicrobial stewardship strategy. The new long-acting lypoglycopeptides are very effective in treating necrotizing fasciitis and are uttermost attractive for patients requiring short hospital stays and early discharge.

Determining if Positive Predictive Value using Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis is Applicable in Malaysian Patients with Necrotising Fasciitis

Introduction: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia which spreads rapidly. The scoring system of Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) developed by Wong et al has been proposed as a tool for distinguishing NF and other soft tissue infections (STI) in Singapore. We set out to establish whether the LRINEC score is applicable in our Malaysian setting.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study of all patients admitted to our hospital diagnosed with NF or To Rule Out NF (TRO NF) between January 1st 2016 to 30th June 2016. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were then calculated for LRINEC score of ≥ 6 and ≥ 8.

Results: Fourty-four patients were identified with the diagnosis of NF or TRO NF in the study. Twenty-seven patients (61.4%) were deemed post-operatively as having NF and 17 patients (38.6%) not having NF. A sensitivity of 59.3% and specificity of 47.1% when a LRINEC score of ≥ 6 was taken with positive predictive value (PPV) of 64.0% and the negative predictive value (NPV) of 42.1%. When score ≥ 8 was taken, the sensitivity was 48.1% and specificity of 58.8% with PPV of 65% and NPV of 41.7%.

Conclusion: The low sensitivity and low PPV achieved in this study as well as other studies makes the LRINEC score unsuitable to be used solely to distinguish NF with other soft tissue infections.

Management of equivocal (early) Fournier's gangrene

BACKGROUND

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an acute progressive necrotizing fasciitis of the genital area and perineum with possible extension to the abdominal wall. Surgical debridement is the gold standard management modality of established patients. Equivocal (early) FG represents a challenge in diagnosis. The objective of this study was to compare conservative management and early exploration in cases of equivocal (early) FG.

METHODS

This was an observational study where data of all patients diagnosed as early FG in our departments over 4 years (2011-2015) were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with conservative treatment, and group 2 managed with urgent exploration with longitudinal hemiscrotal incision starting from external inguinal ring. All patients' demographics, vital signs, laboratory finding and clinical findings were reported.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled in the study. Group 1 was managed with conservative treatment (17 patients) and group 2 underwent urgent exploration (11 patients). Overall, four patients (23.5%) out of 17 patients of group 1 showed a good response to conservative management without any surgical debridement. A total of 13 patients (76.5%) developed gangrenous discoloration and needed surgical debridement later. In group 2, four patients (36.4%) underwent scrotal exploration and release incision only without debridement and showed an excellent clinical outcome. A total of four patients (36.4%) underwent debridement with excision of doubtful deep subcutaneous and fascial tissues. The remaining three patients (27.2%) underwent debridement of necrotic fascia. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 2 patients than group 1 (7.5 ± 3.75 versus 13.4 ± 5.19 days p < 0.05). The mean number of debridement sessions was 3.74 ± 0.69 in group 1 versus 1.82 ± 0.34 in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Early exploration and debridement in equivocal (early) FG has a better clinical outcome with reduced hospital stay and number of debridement sessions than conservative treatment with delayed debridement.

Long-term follow-up of Fournier's Gangrene in a tertiary care center

BACKGROUND

After surgical debridement, the use of fecal diversion systems (such as an endo-rectal tube or surgical colostomy) in Fournier's Gangrene (FG) to assist with wound healing remains controversial.

METHODS

A 6-y retrospective review of a tertiary medical center emergency surgery database was conducted. Variables abstracted from the database include patient demographics, laboratory and physiological profiles, hospital length-of-stay, intensive care unit length-of-stay, operative data, time to healing, morbidity, and mortality.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were treated. Seventy-seven percent (n = 27) required some form of fecal diversion (21 patients using an endo-rectal tube and six patients undergoing construction of a surgical colostomy). One patient had a pre-existing colostomy before the development of FG. The remaining seven patients underwent conservative wound care with multiple daily dressing changes (no diversion system). Twenty-eight of the 35 patients (80.0%) had long-term follow-up with 100% having completely healed surgical wounds at the final clinic visit. Average time to complete wound healing was 4.8 ± 1.0 mo (range, 1.0-31.0). Of the six patients who underwent colostomy formation, two had their colostomies reversed, two were unacceptable surgical risk and did not undergo reversal (due to uncontrolled diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and two were lost to follow-up. Of the two patients who had their colostomies reversed both had complications from their reversal (leak and urinary retention).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical colostomy may not be mandatory (and might be associated with a high additional morbidity) in FG. With appropriate patient selection, it may be possible to avoid colostomy formation using a less-invasive diversion technology without compromising patient outcomes.

Contemporary diagnosis and management of Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's gangrene, an obliterative endarteritis of the subcutaneous arteries resulting in gangrene of the overlying skin, is a rare but severe infective necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia. Mainly associated with men and those over the age of 50, Fournier's gangrene has been shown to have a predilection for patients with diabetes as well as people who are long-term alcohol misusers. The nidus for the synergistic polymicrobial infection is usually located in the genitourinary tract, lower gastointestinal tract or skin. Early diagnosis remains imperative as rapid progression of the gangrene can lead to multiorgan failure and death. The diagnosis is often made clinically, although radiography can be helpful when the diagnosis or the extent of the disease is difficult to discern. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score can be used to stratify patients into low, moderate or high risk and the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) can also be used to determine the severity and prognosis of Fournier's gangrene. Mainstays of treatment include rapid and aggressive surgical debridement of necrotized tissue, hemodynamic support with urgent resuscitation with fluids, and broad-spectrum parental antibiotics. After initial radical debridement, open wounds are generally managed with sterile dressings and negative-pressure wound therapy. In cases of severe perineal involvement, colostomy has been used for fecal diversion or alternatively, the Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System can be utilized to prevent fecal contamination of the wound. After extensive debridement, many patients sustain significant defects of the skin and soft tissue, creating a need for reconstructive surgery for satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.

A contemporary analysis of Fournier gangrene using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

OBJECTIVE

To determine a nationwide contemporary description of surgical Fournier gangrene (FG) and necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia (NFG) outcomes because historically reported mortality rates for FG and NFG are based on small single-institution studies from the 1980s and the 1990s.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is a risk-adjusted surgical database used by nearly 400 hospitals nationwide, which tracks preoperative, intraoperative, and 30-day postoperative clinical variables. Data are extracted from patient charts by an independent surgical clinical reviewer at each hospital. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2005 to 2009, we calculated 30-day mortality rates and identified preoperative factors associated with increased mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 650 patients were identified with surgery for FG or NFG. Fourteen patients with do not resuscitate orders placed preoperatively were excluded from analyses. For the remaining 636 patients, the overall 30-day mortality was 10.1% (64 of 636). Fifty-seven percent of patients (360 of 636) were men, 70% (446 of 636) were white, and 13% (81 of 636) were African American. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.041; P = .004), body mass index (OR, 1.045; P <.001), and preoperative white blood cell count (OR, 1.061; P = .001), and decreased platelet count (OR, 0.993; P <.001) were all associated with increased risk of death.

CONCLUSION

We determined a surgical mortality rate for FG-NFG of 10.1%. This rate is about half of historically published estimates and similar to recent studies. The lower rate may indicate improvements in therapy. Increased age, body mass index, and white blood cell count, and decreased platelet count were all associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality.

A clinical case of Fournier's gangrene: imaging ultrasound

Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressing necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal, perianal, or genital regions and constitutes a true surgical emergency with a potentially high mortality rate. Although the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene is often made clinically, emergency ultrasonography and computed tomography lead to an early diagnosis with accurate assessment of disease extent. The Authors report their experience in ultrasound diagnosis of one case of Fournier's gangrene of testis illustrating the main sonographic signs and imaging diagnostic protocol.

Fournier's Gangrene in a Two Year Old Child: A Case Report

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and external genitalia is a life-threatening infective gangrene, primarily seen in adults. It may be seen at any age but it is relatively uncommon in children. Here, we report a case of Fournier's gangrene in a two year old male child who was treated aggressively with broad spectrum antibiotics and early surgical debridement with hemodynamic stabilization. Even though no obvious precipitating cause was identified, hygiene was thought to be the inciting factor. Early surgical debridement with appropriate antibiotics and aggressive supportive care gave good results.

Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

A panel of national experts was convened by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) to update the 2005 guidelines for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). The panel's recommendations were developed to be concordant with the recently published IDSA guidelines for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. The focus of this guideline is the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of diverse SSTIs ranging from minor superficial infections to life-threatening infections such as necrotizing fasciitis. In addition, because of an increasing number of immunocompromised hosts worldwide, the guideline addresses the wide array of SSTIs that occur in this population. These guidelines emphasize the importance of clinical skills in promptly diagnosing SSTIs, identifying the pathogen, and administering effective treatments in a timely fashion.

Fistula-in-Ano Complicated by Fournier's Gangrene Our Experience in North-Eastern Region of Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Fistula-in-ano when complicated by Fournier's gangrene is an unusual finding and always carries high morbidity. This study details our experience in managing 10 cases.

METHODS OF STUDY

Case files of all patients managed in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Center of Yola and Gombe from January, 2007 to December, 2011 were retrieved from Medical Record Departments and other Hospital Records. These were analyzed for demographic, clinical and pathological variables, the type of treatment and follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 10 men with a mean age of 50.5 years (35-60) were managed in the period of study. Nearly, 50% of the patients were farmers, 30% businessmen and 20% were civil servant. 7 (70%) of these patients presented with Fournier's gangrene within 4 weeks of development of fistula-in-ano and the rest within 8 weeks. 4 (40%) of these patients had inadequate drainage of their perianal abscess and 2 (20%) had incision and drainage. Another 4 (40%) had spontaneously rupture of the perianal abscess. 6 (60%) of the fistula-in-ano was submuscular, 30% subcutaneous and 10% were complex or recurrent. Nearly, 20% of patients had fistulotomy and seton application for adequate drainage. Mucosal advancement flap was performed in 5 (50%) and fistulotomy in 3 (30%) patients. Another 30% had fistulotomy and continuing sitz bath.

CONCLUSION

Cryptoglandular infection is an important cause of perianal abscesses and fistula-in-ano and if poorly managed results in Fournier's gangrene. Early broad spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy and primary surgical treatment can prevent Fournier's gangrene.

Fournier's Gangrene: Current Practices

Fournier's gangrene is an acute, rapidly progressive, and potentially fatal, infective necrotizing fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions, which commonly affects men, but can also occur in women and children. There has been an increase in number of cases in recent times. Despite advanced management mortality is still high and averages 20-30%. Early diagnosis using Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score and stratification of patients into high risk category using Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score help in early initiation of treatment. Triple antibiotic combined with radical debridement is the mainstay of treatment. There have been many advances in management of Fournier gangrene including use of vaccum assisted closure and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. With introduction of newer devices like Flexi-Seal, fecal diversion can be done, avoiding colostomy. Reconstruction of perineal defects using skin grafts, flaps, and urethral reconstruction using gracilis flaps can reduce the morbidity associated with FG and provide acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Epidemiological characteristics of Fournier's gangrene: a report of 71 patients

INTRODUCTION

To identify the predisposing factors, etiological and clinical characteristics as well as the Fournier's gangrene (FG) severity index (FGSI) in the outcomes of patients with FG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data from 71 patients diagnosed with FG in a period of 17 years were retrospectively reviewed for the age of the patient, their history, predisposing factors, etiology, prodromal symptoms, FGSI, culture results, hospitalization period, surgical interventions, responses to the therapy and complications.

RESULTS

All of the patients were Caucasian males, and the mean age was 61.3 (range 36-92) years. The mean duration from the onset of symptoms to surgery was 7.5 days. The mean hospitalization time was 27.4 days and the most common etiological factor for FG was a perineal abscess. The overall mortality rate was 29.6%. The relationship between the number of predisposing factors and mortality rates in patients with FG was the most statistically significant parameter (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple predisposing factors predict a poor prognosis and correlate significantly with mortality. Extension of the disease and the FGSI score were not predictive of outcome. The most essential intervention for stopping the rapidly progressing infectious process of FG consists of early recognition of the disease, proper management of the predisposing factors and aggressive surgical debridement. Such an intervention can improve clinical outcomes.

Perianal necrotizing fasciitis treated with a loose-seton technique

AIM

The study evaluated the effect of a loose-seton technique for perianal necrotizing fasciitis.

METHOD

The medical records of seven patients with perianal necrotizing fasciitis treated by the loose-seton technique between December 2005 and June 2010 were reviewed. Age, gender, status of diabetes mellitus, duration of symptoms, the length of hospital stay and number of debridements were investigated.

RESULTS

Five of the patients were men. The mean age was 53 years and the range was 43-79 years. All seven patients had a past history of acute perianal abscess. Six (85.7%) patients had diabetes mellitus. The mean time for removal of the seton was 24 (14-32) days and the mean hospitalization time was 31 (23-45) days. All patients had primary wound healing. There was no mortality. At a median follow-up 18 (6-60) months one patient required inpatient treatment with cutting-seton for complex anal fistula after 11 months. All patients had normal faecal continence and none of them required a reconstructive procedure during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The loose-seton technique is an effective treatment for perianal necrotizing fasciitis. The advantages include inhibiting the spread of inflammation, reducing the frequency of debridements, decreasing the area of the wound and limiting extensive scar formation.

Treatment of Fournier's Gangrene with Combination of Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and Protective Colostomy

Fournier's gangrene is a rare process which affects soft tissue in the genital and perirectal area. It can also progress to all different stages of sepsis, and abdominal compartment syndrome can be one of its complications. Two patients in septic shock due to Fournier gangrene were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Emergency Department. In both cases, infection started from the scrotum and the necrosis quickly involved genitals, perineal, and inguinal regions. Patients were treated with surgical debridement, protective colostomy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and broad-spectrum antibacterial chemotherapy. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy was applied to the wound with the aim to clean, decontaminate, and avoid abdominal compartmental syndrome development. Both patients survived and were discharged from Intensive Care Unit after hyperbaric oxygen therapy cycles and abdominal closure.

What are the indications for a stoma in Fournier's gangrene?

AIM

This study examined the indications for a stoma in patients with Fournier's gangrene and its impact on outcome.

METHOD

Patients with Fournier's gangrene were retrospectively reviewed for indications for a stoma. Patients with and without a stoma were compared, based on demographics, disease severity, surgical therapy, length of hospital stay, clinical outcome and cost.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (median age 57 years, range 28-77 years) were evaluated. Eighteen had a temporary stoma and 26 did not. A stoma was 5 times more likely in males. Patients with Fournier's gangrene originating from an anorectal disorder received a stoma more often than patients with disease originating from an urogenital disorder. Clinical outcomes were similar for patients with or without a stoma. Stoma closure was associated with an extra cost of about $6650 per patient.

CONCLUSION

Stoma creation in the management of Fournier's gangrene was needed for selected patients. Having a stoma did not appear to affect outcomes and resulted in a significant increase in cost of care.

[Perineal-scrotal gangrene: epidemiological and therapeutic aspects. About 45 cases]

Perineoscrotal gangrene is an acute disease, a rare and severe affection of the perineum, whose evolution is unpredictable and rapidly extensive. The diagnosis is clinical. The paraclinical examinations allow early diagnosis and assessment of anatomical and biological repercussions. We conducted a retrospective study of 45 patients spread over six years, involving a multidisciplinary team consisting of three specialists (urologists, visceral, plastic surgeons). The average age was 52 years. The largely male dominated our series. Fournier gangrene was the most common etiology. We noted five cases of death (11%) in the acute phase, secondary to septic shock (four patients) or multiple organ failure (one patient). The evolution was favorable in 40 other patients in the series, requiring an initial management in intensive care unit, and surgical treatment. The average hospital stay was 17 days. After the acute phase, all patients underwent a surgery for skin coverage, ranging from guided healing (two patients) to musculocutaneous flap of the gracilis (six patients) via the secondary suture (four patients), the burying the testes (18 patients) and half thick skin graft, with a functional and aesthetic result was acceptable, and minimal sequelae. In our series, the most predictive prognostic factors would be the delay of care, sepsis on admission and associated diseases.

Necrotizing fasciitis: review of 82 cases in South Auckland

BACKGROUND

Early recognition of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) can be difficult, but is important as infections progress rapidly and have significant mortality. The aim of this study of patients with NF was to determine the clinical characteristics at presentation, causative pathogens and subsequent clinical outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with NF presenting to Middlemore Hospital from January 2000 to June 2006.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were evaluated: 56% male, mean age 54.9 years (standard deviation 18.5), 40% Pacific Islanders. The site of infection was the lower limb in 46 (56%) patients, upper limb in 12 (15%) patients and perineum in 13 (16%) patients. Twenty-two (27%) patients were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 29 (35%) had diabetes mellitus, 25 (30%) had gout and 17 (21%) had congestive heart failure. Forty-nine (60%) patients had a surgical procedure within 24 h of admission. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated from tissue or blood cultures in 33 (40%) patients and 26 (32%) patients had polymicrobial infection. Twenty-five (30%) patients died, 17 (68%) within 72 h of admission. Independent predictors of mortality include congestive heart failure (P = 0.033) and a history of gout (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

NF remains an important disease in our community with significant morbidity and mortality. Pacific Islanders were disproportionately represented. Early diagnosis of NF can be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion in all patients presenting with cellulitis or unexplained sepsis. Congestive heart failure and gout are independent predictors of mortality and patients with these conditions and sepsis need early assessment with more aggressive hospital triaging.

Fournier's gangrene: management and mortality predictors in a population based study

PURPOSE

The Fournier's gangrene literature comes almost exclusively from tertiary referral centers. We used a population based database to evaluate variations in management and outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inpatients with Fournier's gangrene who underwent surgical débridement or died were identified from select states in the State Inpatient Databases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to evaluate patient and hospital related predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 1,641 males with Fournier's gangrene treated at a total of 593 hospitals. At teaching hospitals more Fournier's gangrene cases were treated per year, and more surgical procedures, débridements and supportive care were reported. Patients treated at teaching hospitals had longer length of stay, greater hospital charges and a higher case fatality rate. Patient related predictors of mortality were increasing age (adjusted OR 4.0 to 15.0), Charlson comorbidity index (adjusted OR 1.20 per additional comorbidity), preexisting conditions, ie congestive heart failure (adjusted OR 2.1), renal failure (adjusted OR 3.2) and coagulopathy (adjusted OR 3.4), and hospital admission via transfer (adjusted OR 1.9), after adjusting for hospital factors and Fournier's gangrene experience. Teaching hospitals had higher mortality due primarily to more acutely ill patients (adjusted OR 1.9). Hospitals where more than 1 Fournier's gangrene case per year were treated had 42% to 84% lower mortality after adjusting for patient age, race, Charlson comorbidity index and admission via transfer (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Teaching and nonteaching hospitals differ substantially in the populations, case definitions, and severity and management of Fournier's gangrene. Hospitals where more patients with Fournier's gangrene were treated had lower mortality rates, supporting the rationale for regionalized care for this rare disease.

Application of the Laboratory Risk Indicator in Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) Score to Patients in a Tropical Tertiary Referral Centre

The objective of this study was to assess the applicability and usefulness of the Laboratory Risk Indicator in Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score in patients from our institution.

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of the case notes of all patients admitted to our facility between January 2002 and December 2005 with the admission diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis and the application of the LRINEC score upon the initial blood tests. The sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios were then calculated for patients with a LRINEC score of ≥6 compared with the findings of a surgical biopsy.

Twenty-eight patients were identified as having the admission diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis on the hospital database and were eligible for the study. Ten of these had biopsy-proven necrotising fasciitis.

With a cut-off score of ≥6, the LRINEC score had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 67%, a positive predictive value of 57% and a negative predictive value of 86% in distinguishing the patients with proven necrotising fasciitis from those with severe soft tissue infections. The likelihood ratio of a positive biopsy was 2.4 and the likelihood ratio of a negative biopsy was 0.3.

A cut-off value of ≥6 of the LRINEC score was not overly sensitive or specific, and the likelihood ratios suggest that, at this cut-off level, the LRINEC score would have only a very small effect on the post-test probability of the patients in the studied population having necrotising fasciitis.

Fournier's Gangrene after Open Hemorrhoidectomy without a Predisposing Factor: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fatal synergistic infectious disease with necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and abdominal wall along with the scrotum and penis in men and vulva in women. An unpredictable case of FG two weeks after open hemorrhoidectomy in a previously healthy 55-year-old male is described. Full-thickness patchy skin necrosis of the perianal, perineal and scrotal region associated with rectal perforation was detected on admission. Prompt radical debridement together with aggressive fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotic administration was initiated. Because of rectal involvement, diverting sigmoid colostomy was fashioned. The patient survived after two additional local debridements. Nevertheless, loss of sphincter function due to massive muscle destruction led to permanent colostomy. Our case together with others reported in the literature illustrates that, although rare, FG after open hemorrhoidectomy represents a life-threatening complication to otherwise healthy patients. The development of fever and urinary retention should draw the attention of the surgeon, even if the presentation is delayed. The current literature only briefly mentions the potential risk of FG after such a common surgical procedure. However, devastating complications occur more often than anticipated. This disastrous complication without predisposing factor is discussed along with a literature review.

Fournier's gangrene: is it scrotal gangrene?

INTRODUCTION

Fournier's gangrene was originally described as scrotal gangrene in young males. Today, it is generally accepted as synergistic necrotizing fasciitis of perineal, genital, or perianal regions, and the epidemiologic data have changed. However, there are still limited data about females due to the lack of female patients, even in large case series.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients who received surgery for emergency conditions over the past 22 years was performed to identify patients with Fournier's gangrene. Data from these patients were then reviewed to determine the age, gender, etiology, causative bacteria, predisposing factors, treatment modalities, length of hospital stay, and morbidity and mortality rates associated with Fournier's gangrene. Data were evaluated using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients (20 female) were identified with the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene. The mean age was 50.8 years. The most common etiology was hemorrhoidectomy in male and perianal abscess in female patients. The most commonly isolated microorganism in both male and female patients was Escherichia coli. Twenty-nine patients had diabetes mellitus, which was the most common predisposing factor. Mean hospitalization time was 24.4 days and the overall mortality was 27.70%.

CONCLUSION

Fournier's gangrene is still an important disease with high mortality rates in spite of the developments in intensive care units and new-generation antibiotics. It seems that there are no major differences between male and female patients in the characteristics of the condition.