Surgical therapy in Fournier syndrome: case report

Abstract

Fournier syndrome or Fournier’s gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis that affects the perineal, perianal and genital region, caused by a polymicrobial infection of aerobic and anaerobic synergistic bacteria predominantly in men, on average at age 50. The disease is characterized by obliterative endarteritis causing subcutaneous vascular thrombosis and tissue necrosis. Different microorganisms appear as patogens in cultures of patients with this disease. The clinical picture may manifest as pain, redness and swelling, cianosis and crepitus in the scrotum and perineum with or without fever and chills. Early diagnosis and intervention with broad spectrum antibiotics and ample drainage contributed to a better outcome for these patients. Mortality remains high when diagnosis is late and the surgical procedure postponed. The aim of this paper is to report a case of Fournier syndrome in a 52 year old patient, discuss the best surgical approach and its impact on therapeutic success in this disease.