Improving outcomes in Fournier's gangrene

Management of Fournier's gangrene: a practical guide for clinicians

Fournier's gangrene is a localised form of necrotising fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineal and perianal regions. Although rare, it is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, so clinician awareness is essential for prompt treatment. Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic alcoholism and immunosuppression. Perineal pain in patients with sepsis should be treated with a high level of suspicion and early surgical referral is required as prompt debridement can improve outcomes. Repeated surgical intervention and antimicrobial therapy are often needed and recovery can take a long time, with a long-term impact on quality of life. This article discusses the natural history of Fournier's gangrene, aetiology, risk factors, investigations and treatments with an algorithm to support clinical practice.

Reconstruction of a Scrotum by Combining Two Skin Flaps in a Ball Shape

Background. The scrotum functions to maintain spermatogenesis and hormonal production of Leydig cells by preventing the testicles from rising in temperature and protecting them from the outside world. The scrotum, along with the penis, is also an organ that symbolizes masculinity. Therefore, deformity or loss of the scrotum can be a major psychological problem. Various scrotal reconstruction techniques have been reported. In these papers, there is some discussion about the type of skin flap, but little discussion about the method of suturing the skin flap. We devised a way to reconstruct a scrotum to a natural size by suturing two skin flaps together to form a ball shape. Case Presentation. Case 1 was a patient with a missing scrotum due to Fournier’s gangrene. Total resection of the scrotum, including the bilateral testes, was performed to save his life. Reconstructive surgery was performed 11 days after the initial surgery. Reconstruction was performed using bilateral gluteal fold flaps. Case 2 was a patient with a congenital defect of the scrotum. The testis on the right side exhibited cryptorchidism, and the scrotum was missing, and the testis on the left side was encased in a hypoplastic scrotum. Reconstruction was performed using an internal pudendal artery perforator flap. Conclusion. There are two types of scrotal defects: those with testes present and those with testes missing. This method can be used for both types of scrotal defects, and we were able to create a scrotum that satisfied each 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.

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.

Fournier's gangrene: Causes, presentation and survival of sixty-five patients

Objective:

To report our experience with Fournier’s Gangrene (FG) over the past eight years and evaluate the predisposing factors which affect the mortality.

Methods:

Sixty-five patients who were admitted to emergency surgical unit of our institution presenting with FG between January 2006 and August 2014 were included. The anatomical site of infective gangrene, predisposing factors, etiological factors, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Our cases included 8 women and 57 men. The average age of men was 51±13.9 (range 19-75) and the average age of women was 63±10.5 (range 52-76). Average hospitalization time was 9.2±6.6 days (range 5-25) days. The most frequent comorbid disease was diabetes mellitus and the most frequent etiology was perianal abscess. Colostomy was performed in 11 patients, orchidectomy in two patients, cystostomy in two patients. Notably, all of the 8 (12.3%) patients who died from FG had diabetes and low socioeconomic status. A total of six patients who died required more than one surgical debridement.

Conclusions:

Fournier’s gangrene is a severe surgical emergency, with a high mortality rate. Low socioeconomic status, diabetes and more than one debridement play a major role in mortality and morbidity.

Evaluation of LRINEC Scale Feasibility for Predicting Outcomes of Fournier Gangrene

BACKGROUND

Fournier gangrene (FG) is a fulminant necrotizing infection of the perineal, perianal, and periurethral tissues. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) scale is used for diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. However, data on its relevance and usefulness in FG are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the LRINEC scale in predicting the outcome of FG.

METHODS

This retrospective case study included 41 patents with FG treated at our institution from 2000 to 2013. The patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 22%. The median age (75 vs. 62.5 y; p = 0.013), rate of co-existing diabetes mellitus (66.7% vs. 3.1%; p < 0.001), and median affected skin surface (4% vs. 1%; p < 0.001) were greater in the non-survivors. Seven of nine patients (77.8%) who did not survive (compared with 37.5% who survived) had a polymicrobial infection (p = 0.032). Of all the causative pathogens isolated, Proteus mirabilis was more common in non-survivors (55.6% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.001). The median calculated LRINEC score for survivors was 5 compared with 10 for the non-survivors (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that all the aforementioned variables, except for polymicrobial culture, were significant risk factors for predicting death. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the LRINEC score was the highest, 0.976 (95% confidence interval 0.872-0.999; p < 0.0001), and the cut-off value was ≥9 with 93.7% specificity and 100% susceptibility for the prediction of a lethal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The LRINEC score could be used for prediction of disease severity and outcomes. A threshold of 9 could be a high-value predictor of death during the initial evaluation of patients with FG.

Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a synergistic polymicrobial gangrenous infection of the perineum, scrotum and penis which is characterised by obliterative endarteritis of the subcutaneous arteries, resulting in gangrene of the subcutaneous tissue and the overlying skin. FG affects all ages and both genders, with a male preponderance. It is a rare but life-threatening disease, and despite therapeutic advances in recent years, the mortality rate is 3%-67%, with an incidence of 1:7500-1:750,000. Anorectal, genitourinary and cutaneous sources of infection are the most common causes of FG, with diabetes mellitus being the most common risk factor. The clinical condition presents evolution from 2 to 7 days and is characterised by uneasiness, local swelling and discomfort, fever, crepitus and sometimes frank septic shock. Current imaging techniques for initial evaluation of the disease include radiography, Ultrasonography (USG), Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). However, the diagnosis of FG is usually clinical and imaging can be helpful in uncertain diagnosis and when clinical findings are ambiguous. Treatment of FG is based on a multimodal approach which includes intensive fluid resuscitation to stabilise the patient and correction of electrolyte imbalance, if any. This is followed by extensive debridements and resections in order to remove all necrotic and infected tissue, wide spectrum antibiotics and reconstructive surgery, whenever required. However, despite all the advances in treatment today, FG remains a surgical emergency, hence, early recognition with aggressive haemodynamic stabilisation, parenteral broad spectrum antibiotics and urgent surgical debridement are the mainstay of treatment.

Evaluation of the Utility of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in the Management of Fournier's Gangrene in North India: A Multicentre Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To study the utility of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) with mortality predictive value in our tertiary institutes in North India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 95 cases of Fournier's Gangrene (FG), admitted from 2009 to 2011, was carried out. We analysed clinical and laboratory findings, various prognostic factors, surgical treatments and their outcomes in FG patients. FGSI was used as individual variable to estimate the severity of FG; the effects of these factors on mortality were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall mean age was 46.5 ± 15.6 (range 24-82) years. Anorectal and urological regions were the main sites of the infection. The most common site of infection origin was scrotum in 81.3% in group A and 41.2% in group B. One or more predisposing factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM; 55%) malignancies (4.6%), chronic renal failure (4.5%) and previous surgery (9.2%) were detected. We observed mortality in 26.5% cases (17/65). The FGSI calculated averaged 5.95 ± 365 in group A and 9.44 ± 2.56 in group B, at the time of admission (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In FG, an early diagnosis and early surgical debridement are essential. The FGSI seems to be an excellent tool for the outcome prediction.

Penoscrotal reconstruction with gracilis muscle flap and internal pudendal artery perforator flap transposition

OBJECTIVE

Extensive defects of the perineal area, with exposure of the testes, are difficult to reconstruct. For the reconstruction of these defects, we applied gracilis muscle flap combined with pudendal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap, which provided us a reliable cutaneous flap and allowed us to cover exposed testes with sufficient muscular volume.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 7 patients from 2004-2011 whose penoscrotal defects had been reconstructed using gracilis muscle flap and an internal pudendal artery perforator flap. Six had Fournier's gangrene and 1 had extramammary Paget's disease. We examined characteristics of the patients, preoperative management, operative procedure, and their clinical courses.

RESULTS

All flaps survived during the entire follow-up periods. The mean width of the defects was 10.14 cm and the mean length was 9.29 cm. The width of the fasciocutaneous flap was approximately 6-10 cm, whereas the length ranged from 10-15 cm. The reconstructed areas were in good functional and esthetic conditions.

CONCLUSION

The combination of the gracilis muscle flap and the internal pudendal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap provides pliable and reliable soft tissue coverage for extensive penoscrotal defects with adequate bulkiness and minimal donor site morbidity.

Is there a need for the Fournier's gangrene severity index? Comparison of scoring systems for outcome prediction in patients with Fournier's gangrene

Study Type - Prognosis (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2a. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare but life-threatening disease challenging the treating medical staff. Despite the fact that antibiotic therapy combined with surgery and intensive care surveillance are performed as standard treatment, mortality rates remain high. There have been efforts to develop a reliable tool to predict severity of the disease, not only to identify patients at highest risk of major complications or death but also to provide a target for medical teams and researchers aiming to improve outcome and to gather information for counselling patients. Laor et al. published the FG severity index (FGSI) in 1995 presenting a complex prediction score solely for patients with FG. Fifteen years later, Yilmazlar et al. suggested a new and supposedly more powerful scoring system, the Uludag FGSI (UFGSI), adding an age score and an extent of disease score to the FGSI. In the present study population we applied two scoring systems for outcome prediction that are solitarily applicable in patients with FG (FGSI, UFGSI), as well as two general scoring systems such as the established age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) and the recently introduced surgical Apgar Score (sAPGAR) to compare them and to test whether one system might be superior to the other. In addition, we identified potential prognostic factors in the study population. By contrast to many earlier studies, we performed a combined prospective and retrospective analysis and provided a 30-day follow up. In the cohort of the present study, older patients with comorbidities as well as a need for mechanical ventilation and blood transfusion are at higher risk of lethal outcome. All scores are useful to predict mortality. Despite including more variables, the UFGSI does not seem to be more powerful than the FGSI. In daily routine we suggest applying ACCI and sAPGAR, as they are more easily calculated, generally applicable and well validated.

OBJECTIVE

• To compare four published scoring systems for outcome prediction (Fournier's gangrene severity index [FGSI], Uludag FGSI [UFGSI], age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index [ACCI] and surgical Apgar Score [sAPGAR]) and evaluate risk factors in patients with Fournier's gangrene (FG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• In all, 44 patients were analysed. The scores were applied. • A Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher's exact test, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were performed.

RESULTS

• The results of the present study show a significant association among FGSI (P= 0.002), UFGSI (P= 0.002), ACCI (P= 0.004), sAPGAR (P= 0.018) and death. • The differences between the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the scores were not significant. • Non-survivors were older (P= 0.046), had a greater incidence of acute renal failure (P < 0.001) and coagulopathy (P= 0.041), were treated more often with mechanical ventilation (P= 0.001) and received more packed red blood cells (RBCs; P= 0.001).

CONCLUSION

• Older patients with comorbidities and need for mechanical ventilation and RBCs are at higher risk for death. • In the present cohort, scores calculated easily at the bedside, such as ACCI and sAPGAR, seemed to be as good at predicting outcome in patients with FG as FGSI and UFGSI.

Gangrène des organes génitaux externes (GOGE): traitement chirurgical et reconstruction plastique

Buts

Présenter notre contribution à la reconstruction chirurgicale de la gangrène des organes génitaux externes (GOGE), selon les lésions.

Matériel et méthodes

Il s’agit d’une étude rétroprospective, portant sur 14 patients traités et guéris dans le service d’urologie du CHU de Cocody à Abidjan, de GOGE entre janvier 2000 et juin 2009.

Résultats

L’âge moyen des patients était de 39 (20–67) ans. Tous étaient des hommes de race noire. Ils présentaient tous un tableau infectieux traité par une réanimation hydroélectrolytique et une triantibiothérapie. Les lésions cutanées observées intéressaient les organes génitaux externes (OGE) dans neuf cas (64,29 %), puis le scrotum et le périnée dans cinq cas (35,71 %). Toutes les lésions cutanées ont été décapées, suivies de pansements locaux. Ainsi, 14 patients (100 %) ont été guéris, complètement cicatrisés, dont trois cas (21,43 %) de lésions scrotales minimes qui ont cicatrisé spontanément à la suite de pansement uniquement, neuf patients (64,29 %) ont cicatrisé à la suite de suture sans tension de la peau scrotale après débridement, décollement, enfin deux patients (14,28 %) avaient cicatrisé après une greffe de peau mince prélevée à la face interne de la cuisse pour plaie périnéopénoscrotale étendue, d’une part, et, d’autre part, pour une perte complète du fourreau pénien. Conclusion: La GOGE est une affection grave, qui réalise, d’une part, une toxi-infection traitée par une réanimation et une triantibiothérapie, d’autre part, des lésions cutanées plus ou moins étendues nécessitant débridement, décapage, pansement, puis une reconstruction chirurgicale plastique qui restaure un environnement pénoscrotal adéquat qui ne compromette pas la qualité des rapports sexuels ainsi que la fonction de reproduction des testicules, surtout chez le sujet jeune.

[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.

Fournier's gangrene: overview of prognostic factors and definition of new prognostic parameter

OBJECTIVES

To identify the prognostic factors and the new parameters that might predict a worse outcome in nonsurvivors compared with survivors of Fournier's gangrene (FG) and evaluated the validity of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) in patients with FG.

METHODS

The medical records of 18 patients with FG who were treated and followed up in our clinic were reviewed. Data were collected in terms of medical history, symptoms, and physical examination findings. The biochemical, hematologic, and bacteriologic study (aerobic and anaeorobic wound cultures) results at admission and at the final evaluation, the physical examination findings, the timing and extent of surgical debridement, and the antibiotic therapy were also recorded. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and FGSI were evaluated stratified by survival.

RESULTS

The results were evaluated for 2 groups: those who survived (n = 14) and those who did not (n = 4). The admission FGSI score was 5.00 +/- 2.91 (range 0-10) for survivors compared with 13.5 +/- 2.62 (range 9-15) for nonsurvivors (P = .001). The CCI score was 3 +/- 1.5 in survivors and 7 +/- 2.2 in nonsurvivors (P = .008). Individual laboratory parameters such as hypomagnesemia, hemoglobin, hematocrit, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and the heart and respiratory rates were associated with a worse prognosis. In addition, a FGSI >9, rectal involvement, colostomy diversion, and a high CCI were associated with high mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Low magnesium levels might be a new parameter for a worse prognosis. High CCI and FGSI scores might be associated with a worse prognosis in patients with FG. A FGSI threshold of 9 was a predictor of mortality during the initial assessment.

Fournier's gangrene: a dreadful disease

BACKGROUND

Although there is much consensus, certain controversies still exist regarding the pathology of Fournier's gangrene. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the disease in the catchment area of the three teaching hospitals, to identify the systemic predisposing factors and local aetiological factors, and to assess the recommended role of aggressive surgical debridement as a part of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in the surgical departments of three tertiary care hospitals of the Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan, from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2007. Detailed history and examination of all patients were carried out to reach the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene. After initial resuscitation, patients were treated aggressively, including surgical debridement.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were studied in the study period. The male to female ratio was 5:1. The age range was 20-75 years with mean 47+17.4 (SD) years. The socioeconomic status of patients was poor (the average income was less than $50 per week) in 36 (60%) and 24 (40%) were middle class (the average income being $50-100 per week). Thirty-nine patients (65%) presented in the hot humid months of the year. Extent of the disease was scrotum in 18 patients (30%), perineum in 30 (50%) and abdominal wall in 12 (20%). Systemic predisposing factors identified in our study were diabetes mellitus in 20 (33.33%) patients, chronic alcohol abuse in two (3.33%) and long-standing steroid therapy in four (6.67%) while in 34 patients (56.67%) no cause was identified. The local aetiological origin of Fournier's gangrene was urogenital in 14 (23.33%) patients, anorectal in 10 (16.67%) and cutaneous in 8 (13.33%) and no local pathologies could be identified in 28 (46.67%) patients. The mean time interval between first symptom and initial treatment was 2.5 days with a range of 1-7 days. Number of debridement sessions per patient was 2-6 (mean, 3.15). Mean hospital stay was 31+7 (SD) with a range of 10-50 days. Morbidity was 80%. Four patients (6.67%) died. Three of these patients presented to hospital 5-6 days too late.

CONCLUSION

Fournier's gangrene is not an uncommon disease in South Asia. Systemic predisposition such as diabetes mellitus, long-standing steroid therapy, chronic alcoholism and even the hot humid season can contribute to this dreadful disease. Local causes in the form of urogenital, anorectal and cutaneous disorders may trigger this disease in some patients. Early recognition of disease and aggressive surgical debridement are the main treatments.

[Fournier gangrene: evaluation of prognostic factors in 90 patients]

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluates the risk factors and prognostic variables that affect survival of patients with gangrene of Fournier.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed 90 consecutive patients with gangrene of Fournier treated in our institution between 1975 and 2008. We evaluated the average age, associated systemic diseases, and the source, time of evolution and extent of necrotizing fasciitis. The outcomes were assessed according to whether the patient survived or died. All patients had aggressive surgical debridement, and received parenteral antibiotic therapy.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 34.4%. The mean age was 63.0 years (range 33-95), a statistically significant difference was found between the age of the survivors (median age, 59.84 years) and those who died (median age, 70.20 years) (p = 0.001). Medical comorbidities were identified in 51 patients; the death rate was higher in patients who had any medical disease, especially those who suffered from cancer. Although diabetes mellitus was the most common associated pathology, it was not related to a statistically significant worst prognosis. The source of the infection was identified in 62 patients, who showed a higher mortality (p = 0.015), the mortality rate when a urological source is identified was 50%. Moreover, patients suffering from a more extensive necrotizing infection showed a worst prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The gangrene of Fournier has a high mortality rate. Large series are required to study prognostic variables of this disease. The patient age, the presence of systemic risk factors, especially cancer, a urological source of infection and the extent of the disease have impact on the prognosis of Fournier's gangrene.

Validation of the Fournier's gangrene severity index in a large contemporary series

PURPOSE

In this study we identified prognostic factors for survival and validated the accuracy of the Fournier's gangrene severity index in patients with Fournier's gangrene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene between 1996 and 2006. Fournier's gangrene severity index scores were assessed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Using an outcome variable of inpatient mortality, univariate analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U, chi-square and Fisher exact tests.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients (79.4% male, mean age 55.8 +/- 15.2 years) diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene met the criteria for review. The inpatient mortality rate was 10% (7 patients). The mean Fournier's gangrene severity index score for survivors was 5.4 +/- 3.5 vs 10.9 +/- 4.7 for nonsurvivors (p = 0.006). Isolated Fournier's gangrene severity index and individual laboratory parameters associated with mortality included heart rate (p = 0.05), respiratory rate (p = 0.02), serum creatinine (p = 0.03), serum bicarbonate (p = 0.001), serum lactate (p = 0.001) and serum calcium (p = 0.03). Although mean total body surface area was only suggestive of an association (p = 0.169), abdominal wall (p = 0.004) or lower extremity (p = 0.005) involvement was associated with increased mortality. Using a Fournier's gangrene severity index score threshold of 9 (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 90%) there was a 96% survival rate in patients with a Fournier's gangrene severity index of less than 9 and a 46% mortality rate in those with a Fournier's gangrene severity index of 9 or greater (p = 0.001, OR 22, 95% CI 3.5-139.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The Fournier's gangrene severity index remains an objective and simple method to quantify the extent of metabolic aberration at presentation in patients with Fournier's gangrene. A Fournier's gangrene severity index threshold value of 9 is sensitive and specific for predicting mortality in this patient population.

Unilateral gracilis myofasciocutaneous advancement flap for single stage reconstruction of scrotal and perineal defects

BACKGROUND

Extensive defects of the perineal area, with exposure of the testes, are difficult to reconstruct. Numerous reconstruction methods are available, but few provide us with an aesthetically acceptable, thin and pliable cover. The gracilis myocutaneous flap had the disadvantage of an unreliable skin paddle since McCraw's original description. Our method of using a longitudinally orientated gracilis myofasciocutaneous flap with wide incorporation of the perigracilis fascia, provided us a large reliable cutaneous territory and allowed us to repair extensive perineal defects in one single operation.

METHODS

Eight patients treated for Fournier's gangrene between 2003 and 2005 were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent early, aggressive surgical debridement followed by surgical reconstruction with a gracilis myofasciocutaneous flap.

RESULTS

The size of the defect ranged from 12 cm x 7 cm to 30 cm x 15 cm. Diverting colostomy was performed in six of the eight patients. All patients recuperated well with good coverage of the defects. No wound dehiscence due to excessive tension was seen. Haematoma developed in one patient. One patient developed an abscess in the distal part of the donor thigh three months after the initial flap coverage.

CONCLUSION

Gracilis myofasciocutaneous advancement flap provides a good cover for the perineal defect with testicular exposure. It is technically easy and has favourable functional and aesthetic results. It allows the surgeon the ability to reconstruct the perineal and scrotal defects in one single stage.

Factors affecting mortality of Fournier's gangrene: review of 70 patients

BACKGROUND

Fournier's disease is a potentially fatal, acute, gangrenous infection of the scrotum, penis or perineum associated with a synergistic bacterial infection of the subcutaneous fat and superficial fascia.

METHODS

The clinical records of 70 patients treated for Fournier's gangrene were evaluated retrospectively to determine prognostic indices and to stress Fournier's Severity Index (FSI), influencing outcome.

RESULTS

The mortality rate in this study was 22.8%. Length of the hospitalization time and FSI were detected as effective factors on mortality of Fournier's gangrene (P < 0.05) by Binary Logistic Regression analysis and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of these variables was also found to be significant (P < 0.001). The average FSI was determined as 4.66 +/- 2.31 in survivors and 11.56 +/- 2.68 in non-survivors and 5.11 +/- 2.83 in patients with primary genito-urinary infection but 7.56 +/- 4.35 in primary anorectal infection. The FSI was also found predictive of hospitalization time and number of debridements among survivors.

CONCLUSION

Fournier's Severity Index is a simplified way of comparing patients with this disease and may also have some significance in predicting outcome. The FSI is a more significant and predictive tool that should be popularized to predict the prognosis in Fournier's gangrene.

Fournier's gangrene: report of thirty-three cases and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an extensive fulminant infection of the genitals, perineum or the abdominal wall. The aim of this study is to share our experience with the management of this difficult infectious disease.

METHODS

Thirty-three male patients were admitted to our clinic with the diagnosis of FG between February 1988 and December 2003. The patient's age, etiology and predisposing factors, microbiological findings, duration of hospital stay, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups. The first 21 patients (Group I) were treated with broad-spectrum triple antimicrobial therapy, broad debridement, exhaustive cleaning, and then they underwent split-thickness skin grafts or delayed closure as needed. The other 12 patients (Group II) were treated with unprocessed honey (20-50 mL daily) and broad-spectrum triple antimicrobial therapy without debridement. Their wounds were cleaned with saline and then dressed with topical unprocessed honey. The wounds were inspected daily and the honey was reapplied after cleaning with normal saline. Then, the patients' scrotum and penis were covered with their own new scrotal skin. The mean age of the patients was 53.9 +/- 9.56 years (range = 23-71).

RESULTS

The source of the gangrene was urinary in 23 patients, cutaneous in seven patients, and perirectal in three patients. The predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus for 11 patients, alcoholism for 10 patients, malnutrition for nine patients, and medical immunosuppression (chemotherapy, steroids, malignancy) for three patients. The mean duration of hospital stay was 41 +/- 10.459 (range = 14-54) days. Two patients in Group I died from severe sepsis. The clinical and cosmetic results were better in Group II than Group I.

CONCLUSION

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia is a severe condition with a high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, good management is based on aggressive debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and intensive supportive care but unprocessed honey might revolutionize the treatment of this dreadful disease by reducing its cost, morbidity, and mortality.