Fournier gangrene: our approach and patients

Fournier's gangrene caused by penetration of a rectal cancer followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background

Fournier’s gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the genital and perineal region. It may progress, affecting the groin, the thigh, or even the abdominal wall.

Despite adequate treatment (debridement and antibiotics), the mortality rate is very high, reaching 20–35%. Fournier’s gangrene caused by penetration of a rectal cancer followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy is very rare. We report this case with a review of the literature.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man visited the emergency room due to perineal pain during which he accepted the chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Abdominal CT scan showed extensive emphysema in the scrotum and gluteus maximus muscle. We diagnosed as Fournier’s gangrene caused by penetration of a rectal cancer. We performed debridement, left orchiectomy, transverse colostomy with double orifices. Post-operative day 30, we performed abdominoperineal resection. We performed CapeOX therapy eight courses as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient had no recurrence for 1 year and 2 months after the operation.

Conclusions

Going forward, knowledge gained from this case will increase the opportunity to perform neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. In medical treatment, we must put the possibility of Fournier’s gangrene in mind and treat as soon as possible.

[Therapeutic factors affecting the healing process in patients with gangrene of the perineum]

Fournier gangrene is a rare and severe necrotizing fasciitis. It is burdened with high morbi-mortality, requiring early and massive medical and surgical management. Initial treatment is based on patient's resuscitation associated with surgical debridement. Subsequently, the main challenge is the healing process and its possible sequelae. Several therapeutic approaches are currently available to improve and accelerate the healing process. We conducted a retrospective study of 20 cases. The median age of our patients was 56 years. The study included 16 men and 7 women. Comorbidity was present in 15 patients. Antibiotic therapy was administered in all cases, with a median duration of 15 days. All patients underwent surgery. Iterative reviews were necessary in all patients, who needed, on average, 3 dressing changes. Colostomy was performed in 6 cases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was performed in 4 cases. Vacuum assisted closure was performed in 1 case. Soft tissue coverage was necessary in 2 cases. The mean duration of healing was 15 days with oxygen therapy versus 24 days in the absence of this treatment. The mean duration of hospitalization was 20 days. Four patients died. Healing process without sequelae is a therapeutic challenge. Despite the addition of new therapeutic approaches, outcomes are not satisfactory. However, multidisciplinary approach associated with oxygen therapy and vacuum assisted closure might improve patients outcomes.

Is hemoglobin A1c level effective in predicting the prognosis of Fournier gangrene?

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of immune failure and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) association on the mortality and morbidity of the Fournier's Gangrene (FG), and interrelatedly, the usability of HbA1c level in the prediction of prognosis.

Materials and Methods:

The data of 38 patients with the diagnosis of FG were investigated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as patients with DM (Group 1, n = 18) and non-diabetics (Group 2, n = 20). The patients in group 1 were also divided into two subgroups as patients with HbA1c value ≥7 (Group 1a) and HbA1c value <7 (Group 1b).

Results:

The mean age of all 38 male patients was 66.3 ± 6.4 years. The initial symptoms were scrotal rash and swelling (n = 20, 52.6%), high fever (>38°C) (n = 22, 57.8%), purulent discharge from genital or perineal areas (n = 13, 34.2%), skin bruises (n = 11, 28.9%) and general state disorder in five patients that were admitted from day care center (13.1%). DM, as the most often comorbid disease, was detected in 18 patients (47.3%). Six patients (15.7%) were deceased during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

In the present study, the researchers determined that diabetic patients with HbA1c level of 7 or higher had worse prognosis, and increased mortality.

Fournier's Gangrene: A Summary of 10 Years of Clinical Experience

We aimed to present our clinical experience with FG treatment. Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare but serious disease characterized by progressive necrosis in the genitourinary and perineal region. The retrospective study included 43 patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups as survivors and nonsurvivors. Included in the analysis were data pertaining to demographics, predisposing factors, comorbidities, results of bacteriologic analyses, number of debridements, duration of treatment, FG Severity Index (FGSI) score, fecal diversion methods (trephine ostomy or Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System-FMS), and dressing methods (wet or negative aspiration system). In the nonsurvivor group, urea, WBC, and age were significantly higher, whereas albumin, hematocrit, platelet count, and length of hospital stay (LOHS) were significantly lower compared to the survivor group. Mean FGSI was lower in survivors in comparison with nonsurvivors (5.00 ± 1.86 and 10.00 ± 1.27, respectively; P < 0.001). We conclude that FGSI is an important predictor in the prognosis of FG. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) should be performed in compliant patients in order to enhance patient comfort by reducing pain and the number of dressings. Fecal diversion should be performed as needed, preferably by using FMS. The trephine ostomy should be the method of choice in cases where an ostomy is necessary.

Fournier gangrene as a manifestation of undiagnosed metastatic perforated colorectal cancer

Abstract Fournier gangrene is a necrotizing soft tissue infection involving the perineum. We present a case of Fournier gangrene as the clinical presentation of perforated metastatic rectal cancer. The patient is a 78-year-old man in a nursing home who presented to our institution with necrosis and ischemia of the scrotum. After wide debridement of necrotic tissue and bilateral orchiectomy, computed tomography was carried out to investigate abnormal findings seen on his chest X-ray, which revealed multiple pulmonary metastases as well as a mass highly suspicious for a perforated rectal mass. Once stable, a diverting colostomy and biopsies of the rectal mass were performed, confirming the presence of a metastatic, poorly differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma. Albeit an unusual etiology of Fournier gangrene, this case highlights the rare but important causes of this deadly condition and teaches us to be cognizant of the variations in the presentation of colorectal cancer.

Aesthetic scrotal reconstruction following extensive Fournier's gangrene using bilateral island pedicled sensate anterolateral thigh flaps: A case report

Achieving an aesthetic appearance of the scrotum after extensive Fournier's gangrene is a reconstructive challenge. Testicular coverage is often prioritized over scrotal cosmesis due to the comorbidities typically seen in this patient population. We describe our treatment of a young, healthy male with extensive Fournier's gangrene, with loss of the scrotum. Bilateral neurotized anterolateral thigh flaps were used to achieve a sensate and aesthetically acceptable result.