Fournier's gangrene: a dreadful disease

Can the SIARI score be used at initial admission to predict testes involvement in patients with fournier's gangrene; a single-centre, retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To predict testicular involvement in patients diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene (FG) using the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score and the site other than lower limb (SIARI) score.

METHODS

The medical records of 51 patients operated for FG in our clinic between December 2012 and April 2022 were evaluated retrospectively in this study. Patients' demographics, and laboratory test results were compared with the testisticular involvement status. Patients with testisticular involvement (n = 10) were compared with patients without testicular involvement (n = 41). The SIARI score at initial admission was analysed using logistic regression analyses for its performance in predicting testicular involvement with FG. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were used to evaluate its discriminating ability.

RESULTS

The SIARI score had modest performance for diagnosing testicular involvement in FG patients, with ROC analysis showing an AUROC value of 0.83 (p < 0.001). With a SIARI cut-off score of ≥ 3, the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity was 68%. For a SIARI cut-off score of ≥ 5, the sensitivity was 40% and the specificity was 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of the SIARI score to discriminate FG with testicular involvement is modest. The SIARI score should be employed cautiously as a routine diagnostic tool for the prediction of testicular involvement in FG at the initial admission. More research is needed to develop a better understanding of the relationship between the SIARI score and testicular involvement in FG.

Outcome of Fournier's gangrene in relation to Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) score

Introduction

Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis, involving perineum mainly. The purpose of the study is to evaluate etiology, treatment, and outcome of Fournier's gangrene so that such type patient's management can be done by primary care physicians with best outcomes.

Method

This was a retrospective study including 156 patients, treated for Fournier's gangrene, between Jan 2012 and Dec 2018. The outcome and prognosis of Fournier's gangrene were reviewed.

Result

The mean age and mode among survival patients were 47.94 ± 14.9 and 60 years, and the mean age and mode in nonsurvival patients was 47.64 ± 15.9 and 65 years. The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (n = 49, 31.4%) having mortality rate was 9% (n = 14). Most common causative bacteria were E. coli. In the study, the survival rate was 100% in patients having Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI)≤3. As FGSI increased from 3, the mortality rate increased.

Conclusion

Fournier gangrene is a surgical emergency. Early diagnosis, serial surgical debridement, and broad-spectrum antibiotics decrease the mortality and morbidity of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of FGSI determine the prognosis of Fournier's gangrene. FGSI is a simple method to know the severity and prognosis.

A Rare Case of Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Female With Diabetes Mellitus

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a relatively rare yet profoundly severe disease. It predominantly affects males; however, mortality rates are comparatively elevated in females. It is a rapidly spreading, life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis that can affect all parts of the body but primarily targets the genital region and the perineum. The clinical presentation is highly characteristic of the disease and is often sufficient for reaching a definitive diagnosis. Common risk factors for the development of this condition include diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, trauma, alcoholism, smoking, arterial hypertension (which predisposes to obstructive endarteritis), and immunosuppressive disorders, such as HIV and cancer. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are imperative for the prognosis and survival of patients. Herein, we present a case of a 33-year-old woman with a medical history of type 1 diabetes mellitus (treated with insulin), arterial hypertension, and obesity. She presented with pain and swelling in the external genitalia (right labia majora), which later progressed to severe necrotizing fasciitis. The patient underwent surgical debridement and drainage, along with intensive medical therapy.

Treatment of Fournier's gangrene with negative pressure wound therapy in the course of sepsis - Case report

INTRODUCTION

Fournier's Gangrene is a severe and rapidly progressing necrotic infection of the skin and fascia that can affect the external genitals, perineum, anus, and abdomen. It can extend to the abdominal cavity and result in necrosis of the soft tissue with a high mortality rate. This case gives a unique perspective on managing such a complicated infection in a smaller community hospital.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This report describes a particularly challenging case of Fournier's Gangrene in a 34 year old male with multiple pre-existing comorbidities, including alcohol use disorder, chronic kidney disease, and hepatitis B. Development of gangrene was preceded by sepsis. The patient's treatment was based on intravenous antibiotic therapy and early surgical intervention with extensive resection of necrotic tissue, supported by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT).

DISCUSSION

The majority of the patient's treatment was done at a local community hospital with remote coordination with the Hyperbaric Medicine Center where the patient was temporarily transferred to for HBOT. Multiple treatment modalities were employed in this case of Fournier's gangrene, including intravenous antibiotic therapy, necrosectomy, chronic wound care with septic dressings and tissue debridement, HBOT and NPWT. Interdisciplinary cooperation between different medical specialists was crucial in treatment.

CONCLUSION

The presented case shows that despite the large scale of difficulty and the complexity of treatment, it is possible to effectively manage Fournier's Gangrene in a local community hospital through interdisciplinary cooperation with specialized quaternary care centers. HBOT and NPWT proved to be useful treatment modalities.

Regional Variations in Microbiology and Outcomes of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Frequency, microbiology, and outcomes of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) could vary across the United States because of differences in locoregional and environmental factors. We synthesized the literature from across the regions of the United States on NSTIs in a systematic review/meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched and screened. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses were performed using 'meta' package in R to determine pooled prevalences. Meta-regression analyses examined moderator effects of risk factors. Results: Twenty-seven studies (2,242 total patients) were included. Pooled prevalences of polymicrobial and monomicrobial infections were 52.2% and 39.9%, respectively. The prevalence of monomicrobial NSTIs increased over the last two decades (p = 0.018), whereas polymicrobial infections declined (p = 0.003). Meta-regression analysis showed that most polymicrobial NSTIs were Fournier gangrene (p < 0.001), whereas monomicrobial NSTIs mostly affected extremities (p < 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated (predominantly in the South), followed by Bacteroides spp. (predominately in the East) and Streptococcus pyogenes. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounted for 11.9% of NSTIs, mainly in the South. The overall mortality rate was 17.8% and declined over last two decades (p < 0.001), with the lowest rate reported in the last decade at 13% without any regional differences. Conclusions: Advancement in the management of NSTIs may have contributed to the observed decline in NSTI-related mortality in the United States. However, the proportion of monomicrobial NSTIs seems to be increasing, possibly because of increased comorbidities affecting extremities. Causative organisms varied by region. Multi-center observational studies are warranted to confirm our observations.

Fournier’s gangrene: a retrospective review of management outcomes and seasonal variations of clinical presentation

Background

To review retrospectively the outcomes of management of Fournier’s gangrene (FG) and to assess for possible seasonal variations in clinical presentations of FG to a referral hospital in a tropical African country.

Methods

The medical records of patients who presented with FG from February 2012 to December 2019 were reviewed. Of interest were age of patient, vital signs at presentation, site of gangrene, duration of hospital admission, and management interventions deployed. Analysis was with SPSS® version 21.

Results

Twenty-three of 28 medical records could be analyzed. Median Fournier’s Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) was 5 (IQR:3–10), the median Uludag-FGSI (UFGSI) was 7 (IQR:4–14). In 82.6%, the scrotum was the site of onset; in 8.7%, the lesion had spread beyond the pelvis. Diabetes mellitus (30.4%), HIV infection (13.0%) and nephropathy (17.4%) were identified co-morbidities. There were 2.4 ± 1.0 debridement sessions and 1.5 ± 1.3 transfused units of blood per patient. In 60.9%, the wound edges were undermined and apposed; in 17.4%, split skin grafting or fascio-cutaneous flap cover was deployed. In 17.4%, satisfactory wound closure needed more than 1 theater session. Mean duration of hospital admission was 51.4 ± 19.4 days. No mortality was recorded.

Majority (91.2%) presented in hot, dry months of October through March with peak in December. No case presented in the wet months of May through September.

Conclusion

Meager resources notwithstanding, FG management outcomes are generally satisfactory. Furthermore, FG is observed to present mostly in the hot, dry months of the year in the 8 years under review.

Fournier's gangrene: its management remains a challenge

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressive necrotizing bacterial dermo-hypodermitis of the perineum and external genitalia. It represents a real medical and surgical emergency requiring multidisciplinary care. Our study was based on the retrospective analysis of 18 cases of FG, collected in the Department of General and Visceral Surgery of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital in Monastir over an 18-year period extending from January 2000 to December 2018. Our series included 18 cases of FG collected over an 18-year period, an annual incidence of one case per year. The average age of our patients was 58 years (36 to 77). The male prevalence was clear. Diabetes and old age were found to be the major risk factors. The treatment was based on an aggressive surgical debridement remains to be the cornerstone of therapy and is commonly preceded by patient preparation for the surgical act by perioperative resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, possibly accompanied by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The vaccum assisted closure (VAC) therapy is also used, which is a non-invasive system that promotes open wound healing. Healing techniques can be once the septic risk is controlled. Dressings topical treatments, such as fatty substances or calcium alginate, in addition to skin grafts, musculo-neurotic or musculo-cutaneous cover flaps can be used. During the follow-up period, no reccurrence occurred in 14 out of the 18 cases (2 patients were lost to follow-up and 2 patients died). A colostomy was closed in 10 out of 11 cases with simple follow-ups. Restorative surgery (partial thickness skin graft) at the perineal level was performed in only one case. Despite the better understanding of its etiopathogenesis, the advent of targeted antibiotic therapy, the establishment of a better codification of surgical procedures, the contribution of hyperbaric oxygenation and reconstruction techniques, mortality rates are still high and FG remains a real health threat, thus constituting a real medical and surgical emergency.

Fournier's gangrene - challenge for surgeon

INTRODUCTION

Fournier gangrene (FG) is life - threatening condition, defined as the necrotizing fascitis of perineum and can spread to the adjacent areas. It is rare disease and infection is caused by mixed bacterial flora, seldom by fungal infection. Risk factors are: male sex, diabetes, hypertension, malignant neoplasms, alcoholism, immunospression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The analysis of four group patients treateted for Fournier gangrene was made about diagnostic and therapeutic process, assessment of prognosis based on Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index).

RESULTS

All patients were males. Average age at the moment of diagnosis was 60 years. All of them had comorbidities resulting with the higher risk of susceptibility to FG. Morbitity was 50%, despite of all of patients had less than 9 points in FGSI.

DISCUSSION

The FG, despite of better diagnostic tools and technological progres remaines the significant clinical issue because of the mortality - 80%. "The golden standard" is surgical excision of necrotic tissues, antibiotics support, equation of fluid, electrolytes and base - acid balance, level of glycemia is very important. The treating results were assessed on the base of FGSI. The significance has the moment of performing the surgical intervention - it is proven, that should be carried out during 24 hours. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy is controversial. Seem to be appropriate if the infection is caused by anaerobic bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Fournier syndrome is significant clinical issue. Its treatment requires early surgical approach with exicision of necrotic tissues, antibiotics support and treatment of hyperbaric oxygen in some cases.

Effects of seasonal changes in temperature and humidity on incidence of necrotizing soft tissue infections in Halifax, Canada, 2001-2015

OBJECTIVES

To explore weather seasonal variation in Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada could be attributed to changes in environmental factors of temperature and humidity specifically.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of NSTIs between 2001 and 2015. Regional temperature and humidity data were obtained from the Environment Canada Agency, Halifax, Canada. Chi-square was used for categorical variables and continuous data was used for correlation analyses. Logistic regression was performed to analyze mortality. Results: Of 170 NSTI patients identified, more presented from March to July, especially when the temperature was greater than 10ºC. Higher incidence per 100,000 persons correlated with increased monthly temperatures (p less than 0.01). Monthly NSTI incidence was inversely related to mean humidity (p=0.005). Causative organism was associated with mean weekly temperature (p less than 0.01) but not humidity (p=0.66). Low body mass index, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, long intensive care unit stay, and shorter overall hospital stay were associated with mortality. No correlation was identified between temperature and humidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a tendency toward more frequent cases of NSTI with warmer, but less humid weather, without effect on severity or mortality.

Fournier's Gangrene: Lessons Learned from Multimodal and Multidisciplinary Management of Perineal Necrotizing Fasciitis

Background

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a rapidly evolving necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and the genital area, the scrotum as it most commonly affects man in the vast majority of cases. It is polymicrobial in origin, due to the synergistic action of anaerobes and aerobes and has a very high mortality. There are many predisposing factors including diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, immunosuppression, renal, and hepatic disease. The prognosis of the disease depends on a lot of factors including but not limited to patient age, disease extent, and comorbidities. The purpose of the study is to describe the experience of a general surgery department in the management of FG, to present the multimodal and multidisciplinary treatment of the disease, to identify predictors of mortality, and to make general surgeons familiar with the disease.

Methods

The current retrospective study is presenting the experience of our general surgery department in the management of FG during the last 20 years. The clinical presentation and demographics of the patients were recorded. Also we recorded the laboratory data, the comorbidities, the etiology, and microbiology and the therapeutic interventions performed, and we calculated the various severity indexes. Patients were divided to survivors and non-survivors, and all the collected data were statistically analyzed to assess mortality factors using univariate and then multivariate analysis.

Results

In our series, we treated a total of 24 patients with a mean age 58.9 years including 20 males (83.4%) and 4 females (16.6%). In most patients, a delay between disease onset and seeking of medical help was noted. Comorbidities were present in almost all patients (87.5%). All patients were submitted to extensive surgical debridements and received broad-spectrum antibiotics until microbiological culture results were received. Regarding all the collected data, there was no statistically significant difference between survivors and non-survivors except the presence of malignancy in non-survivors (p = 0.036) and the lower hemoglobin (p < 0.001) and hematocrit (p = 0.002) in non-survivors. However, multivariate analysis did not reveal any predictor of mortality.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis, aggressive thorough surgical treatment, and administration of the proper antibiotic treatment comprise the cornerstone for the outcome of this disease. In small populations like in the present study, it is difficult to recognize any predictors of mortality and even the severity indexes, which take into account a lot of data cannot predict mortality.

The evaluation of microbiology and prognosis of fournier's gangrene in past five years

OBJECTIVES

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an devastating disease that affects the perineum and genitourinary region, and is commonly a result of poly-microbial infection. This study is aimed to determine the correlation between micrology and prognosis of FG in the past five years.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study that was designed to study the trends in micrology and prognosis of FG. From the PubMed database, articles published in the recent 5 years (from Jan1(st), 2009 to Dec 31(st), 2013) were reviewed. A total of 19 articles (each with n > 30 and with thorough data descriptions in the topic of Fournier's gangrene), were enrolled in this study. The consolidated data was further analyzed by commercial statistical software (SPSS for Windows).

RESULTS

The twenty-two studies have covered FG cases from year 1981 to 2011, with a mean duration of 9.2 years. The total number of cases is 4,365. Majority of the cases are male (84.1%). The mean age and mortality rate is 51.8 ± 5 years old and 11.1 ± 8.9%, respectivly. The most commonly found pathogen is poly-microbial organism (54%), followed by Escherichia coli (46.6%) and Streptococcus (36.8%). The major risk factors are diabetes (43.7%), Body mass index of > 30 (40.7%), and hypertension (38.1%). Mortality rate in older patient group (age > 51.8 years old) is significantly higher than those of the younger group (22% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with genital or perineal pain should be examined for crepitus dermis. When a patient is diagnosed with FG, swift consultation with surgeons and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics are required in order to save the patient's live.

The evaluation of microbiology and prognosis of fournier's gangrene in past five years

OBJECTIVES

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an devastating disease that affects the perineum and genitourinary region, and is commonly a result of poly-microbial infection. This study is aimed to determine the correlation between micrology and prognosis of FG in the past five years.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study that was designed to study the trends in micrology and prognosis of FG. From the PubMed database, articles published in the recent 5 years (from Jan1(st), 2009 to Dec 31(st), 2013) were reviewed. A total of 19 articles (each with n > 30 and with thorough data descriptions in the topic of Fournier's gangrene), were enrolled in this study. The consolidated data was further analyzed by commercial statistical software (SPSS for Windows).

RESULTS

The twenty-two studies have covered FG cases from year 1981 to 2011, with a mean duration of 9.2 years. The total number of cases is 4,365. Majority of the cases are male (84.1%). The mean age and mortality rate is 51.8 ± 5 years old and 11.1 ± 8.9%, respectivly. The most commonly found pathogen is poly-microbial organism (54%), followed by Escherichia coli (46.6%) and Streptococcus (36.8%). The major risk factors are diabetes (43.7%), Body mass index of > 30 (40.7%), and hypertension (38.1%). Mortality rate in older patient group (age > 51.8 years old) is significantly higher than those of the younger group (22% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with genital or perineal pain should be examined for crepitus dermis. When a patient is diagnosed with FG, swift consultation with surgeons and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics are required in order to save the patient's live.

Predictive factors for mortality in Fournier' gangrene: a series of 59 cases

AIMS

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital area and presents a high mortality rate. The aim was to assess prognostic factors for mortality, create a new mortality predictive scale and compare it with previously published scales in patients diagnosed with FG in our Emergency Department.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis study between 1998 and 2012.

RESULTS

Of the 59 patients, 44 survived (74%) (S) and 15 died (26%) (D). Significant differences were found in peripheral vasculopathy (S 5 [11%]; D 6 [40%]; P=.023), hemoglobin (S 13; D 11; P=.014), hematocrit (S 37; D 31.4; P=.009), white blood cells (S 17,400; D 23,800; P=.023), serum urea (S 58; D 102; P<.001), creatinine (S 1.1; D 1.9; P=.032), potassium (S 3.7; D 4.4; P=.012) and alkaline phosphatase (S 92; D 133; P=.014). Predictive scores: Charlson index (S 1; D 4; P=.013), severe sepsis criteria (S 16 [36%]; D 13 [86%]; P=.001), Fournier's gangrene severity index score (FGSIS) (S 4; D 7; P=.002) and Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (UFGSI) (S 9; D 13; P=.004). Independent predictive factors were peripheral vasculopathy, serum potassium and severe sepsis criteria, and a model was created with an area under the ROC curve of 0.850 (0.760-0.973), higher than FGSIS (0.746 [0.601-0.981]) and UFGSI (0.760 [0.617-0.904]).

CONCLUSIONS

FG showed a high mortality rate. Independent predictive factors were peripheral vasculopathy, potassium and severe sepsis criteria creating a predictive model that performed better than those previously described.

Abdominal implantation of testicles in the management of intractable testicular pain in Fournier gangrene

Fournier gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing soft tissue infection involving the superficial and fascial planes of the perineum. In many cases of FG, debridement of the scrotum is necessary, leaving definitive management of the exposed testicles a significant surgical challenge. Frequent incidental trauma to the testicles can cause severe pain, especially in laborers. Practical surgical solutions are few and not well detailed. Various options exist, including creating a neoscrotum with adjacent thigh tissue, split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs), or even creating a subcutaneous thigh pocket. We describe a case of abdominal implantation of bilateral testicles for persistent testicular pain in a case where STSGs did not provide adequate protection, adjacent thigh skin was not available for creation of a neoscrotum, and significant cord contracture occurred. We detail the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly described techniques, including this approach, and how in select individuals this may be a suitable alternative.

Treatment of two cases of Fournier's gangrene and review of the literature

Fournier's gangrene is a rare polymicrobial necrotising soft tissue infection affecting the perineum and scrotum. It is rapidly progressive, destructive and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Management protocol includes prompt diagnosis, early institution of antibiotic therapy and adequate wound debridement, usually requiring multiple operations. Rapid accurate diagnosis is crucial for successful outcome, while early aggressive surgical intervention together with fluid, hemodynamic and nutritional support and broad-spectrum antibiotics are essential to reduce mortality. Dermatologists are often the first specialist consulted. Two cases of Fournier's gangrene are reported in this report. The aim of the report is to underline the importance of an immediate diagnostic approach to save patients, favoured by a close collaboration among dermatologist, surgeon and urologist.

Necrotizing fasciitis: literature review of contemporary strategies for diagnosing and management with three case reports: torso, abdominal wall, upper and lower limbs

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon soft tissue infection, usually caused by toxin-producing virulent bacteria. It is characterized by widespread fascial necrosis primarily caused by Streptococcus hemolyticus. Shortly after the onset of the disease, patients become colonized with their own aerobic and anaerobic microflora from the gastrointestinal and/or urogenital tracts. Early diagnosis with aggressive multidisciplinary treatment is mandatory. We describe three clinical cases with NF. The first is a 69 years old man with diabetes mellitus type II, who presented with NF on the posterior chest wall, shoulder and arm. He was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a clinical picture of severe sepsis. Outpatient treatment and early surgical debridement of the affected zones (inside 3 hours after admittance) and critical care therapy were performed. The second case is of a 63 years old paraplegic man with diabetes mellitus type I. Pressure sores and perineal abscesses progressed to Fournier's gangrene of the perineum and scrotum. He had NF of the anterior abdominal wall and the right thigh. Outpatient treatment and early surgical debridement of the affected zones (inside 6 hour after admittance) and critical care therapy were performed. The third patient was a 56 year old man who had NF of the anterior abdominal wall, flank and retroperitoneal space. He had an operation of the direct inguinal hernia, which was complicated with a bowel perforation and secondary peritonitis. After establishing the diagnosis of NF of the abdominal wall and retroperitoneal space (RS), he was transferred to the ICU. There he first received intensive care therapy, after which emergency surgical debridement of the abdominal wall, left colectomy, and extensive debridement of the RS were done (72 hours after operation of inquinal hernia). On average, 4 serial debridements were performed in each patient. The median of serial debridement in all three cases was four times. Other intensive care therapy with a combination of antibiotics and adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was applied during the treatment. After stabilization of soft tissue wounds and the formation of fresh granulation tissue, soft tissue defect were reconstructed using simple to complex reconstructive methods.

Fournier's gangrene in elderly patient: report of a case

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is rapidly progressing acute gangrenous infection of the anorectal and urogenital area. FG needs precocious diagnosis and aggressive treatment with the use of wide spectrum antibioticus and surgical debridement. In our case, a 91-year-old Japanese female who had rehabilitation after treatment of pneumonia and her past history was rheumatoid arthritis treated with steroid and chronic heart failure. Her activities of daily living was bedridden with dementia. Necrotic skin was observed in urogenital and anorectal area and skin redness enlarged to the hip with high fever. Surgical debridement was performed. Both Peptostreptococcus Sp. and Fusobacterium Sp. was cultured from resected necrotic tissue. We used antibioticus, PAPM and PIPC, which had sensitivity for them. But unfortunately, disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred after 4th day of operation, and finally she died after 10th day of operation. We discussed the treatment for FG in patient with complication.

[Hyperbaric oxygen therapy adjunctive to surgical debridement in management of Fournier's gangrene: usefulness of a severity index score in predicting disease gravity and patient survival]

INTRODUCTION

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) concomitant to surgery has been reported to reduce Fournier's gangrene (FG) mortality compared to exclusive surgical debridement. Most report from centers with relatively few patients using only surgical procedure. To assess efficiency of aggressive debridement with adjunctive HBOT. To evaluate Fournier's gangrene severity score index (FGSI) predictive value.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

70 Fournier's gangrene (FG) treated by surgical debridement and HBOT. Data were evaluated physical examination findings, admission and final laboratory tests, surgical debridement extent, and antibiotic used. Patients had adjunctive (HBOT). FGSI, developed to assign a score describing the acuity of disease, was used. This index presents patients' vital signs, metabolic parameters (sodium, potassium, creatinine, and bicarbonate levels, and white blood cell count) and computes a score relating to the severity of disease at that time. Data were assessed according to whether the patient survived or died. All patients underwent surgical debridement. Wound debridement was regularly performed in the post operative period.

RESULTS

Of 70 patients, 8 died (11.4%) and 62 survived (88.5%). Difference in age between survivors (median age, 50.0 yr) and non survivors (median age, 54.5 yr) was not significant (p=0.321). Median extent of body surface area involved in necrotizing process in patients who survived and did not survive was 2.4% and 4.9%, respectively (p=0.001). Except for albumin, no significant differences were found between survivors and nonsurvivors. Median admission FGSI scores for survivors and non survivors were 2.1±2.0 and 4.2±3.8, (p=0.331).

CONCLUSION

FGSI score did not predict disease severity and the patient's survival. Metabolic aberrations, extent of disease seemed to be important risk factors for predicting FG severity and patient survival.

Scrotal reconstruction with a free greater omental flap: A case report

We report a case of Fournier's gangrene, where we used the greater omentum as a free flap for scrotal reconstruction and outline the advantages over previously described methods. The greater omentum was harvested using a standard open technique. The deep inferior epigastric vessels were passed through the inguinal canal into the scrotal area as recipient vessels. The detached greater omental flap was prefabricated into a three-dimensional sac prior to inset and microvascular anastomoses. The flap was then covered by skin graft. The reconstruction had shown good early results with complete survival of the flap, as well as good functional and esthetic outcome at six months. The greater omentum can therefore be used as a free flap for scrotal reconstruction. It allows easy prefabrication and flap inset. The deep inferior epigastric vessels are also suitable recipient vessels.