Fournier's Gangrene: From Diagnosis to Reconstruction
Amine Rafik *
National Center of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Samira Taqafi
National Center of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Mounia Diouri
National Center of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Naima Bahechar
National Center of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Abdessamad Chlihi
National Center of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Ayoub Halfya
Department of Urology, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Khalid Elmourtaji
Department of Urology, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Redouane Rabii
National Center of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco and Department of Urology, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
Fethi Meziane
Department of Urology, University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fournier gangrene (FG) is an acute and potentially fatal infection of the scrotum, perineum, and abdominal wall. It is characterized by necrotizing fasciitis with loss of subcutaneous tissue and skin. Although originally thought to be an idiopathic process, FG has been shown to have a predilection for patients with diabetes as well as long-term alcohol misuse; however, it can also affect patients with non‐obvious immune compromise. Twenty patients were admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of Fournier gangrene, between 1 January 2011 to January 2013.
The epidemiological characteristics, evolution and treatment modalities were reviewed. Early surgical debridement of necrotic tissues and antibiotics are fundamental in the treatment of FG. Scrotal reconstruction with skin grafts or flaps is fundamental to improve the quality of life and provides social reinsertion.
Keywords: Fournier's gangrene, defect reconstruction, perineoscrotal defect, epidemiology