Fournier's gangrene in childhood: a report of 3 infant patients

Fournier's gangrene is uncommon in pediatric age group, and little is known about the disease in the newborn period and infancy.Three patients, aged 10 days, 14, and 17 months, with Fournier's gangrene, were treated in our hospital. The predisposing factors were prematurity, a diaper rash, and varicella infection, respectively.Especially, prematurity and diaper rash are rare predisposing factors in the pediatric population; therefore, high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, conservative surgery, and multidisciplinary approach are the mainstays of management in children with Fournier's gangrene.     

A life-threatening infection: Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's gangrene is a life-threateningdisorder in which infection of the perineum andscrotum spreads along fascial planes, causingsoft tissue necrosis. If urgent surgery isdelayed, the disease will soon result in septicshock, multiorgan failure, and death. In thisstudy, we present 21 patients with Fournier'sgangrene who were treated in period between1994 and 2001. Patients' charts were reviewedretrospectively and are discussed in the lightof literature.All patients received aggressive surgicaldebridment. Penicillin or Ceftriaxone,aminoglicoside and metronidazole wereadministered intravenously. Of the 21 patients,5 had scrotal carbuncle, 1 had urethralstricture, 1 had chronic indwelling urethralcatheterization, 2 had perirectal abscess, and1 had hemorrhoidectomy. In eleven patients wecouldn't identify any cause. Twelve patientshad diabetes mellitus, and two had chronicalcoholism. Escherichia coli was isolatedin 12 purulent tissue cultures, and Bacteroides fragilis in eight. Seventeenpatients survived, whereas four died.Fournier's gangrene is considered a surgicalemergency. Early surgical intervention isessential, as the gangrene can spread rapidlyat rates reaching 2 mm per hour. So thatFournier's gangrene is an abrupt, rapidlyprogressive, gangrenous infection of theexternal genitalia and perineum and is a realurologic emergency.     

Scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's gangrene with simple skin grafting

Summary Fournier's gangrene is a rare but life-threatening condition in western countries; it consists of acute subcutaneous necrotizing infection of the genital and perineal region. Predisposing diseases are characteristically those which impair the patient's immunological defense and wound healing. After emergency debridement, there is extensive loss of scrotal and perineal tissue, usually these defects heal satisfactorily by secondary intention, and reconstructive procedures are seldom indicated. Defects of the penis, abdomen or thighs are split skin grafted, while for scrotal reconstruction, various methods are recommended, such as medial thigh fasciocutaneous flaps, bilateral superolateral thigh flaps or bilateral gracilis musculocutaneous flaps. In Fournier's gangrene due to predisposing disease, split-thickness skin grafting in scrotal reconstruction can, in the authors' opinion, achieve excellent results. In addition, it is the least disabling reconstructive procedure in such patients.     

预后评分系统在Fournier坏疽诊治中的应用

目的 比较两种预后评分系统在我国Fournier坏疽患者死亡风险预测中的适用情况.方法 回顾性分析15例Fournier坏疽患者的临床特点及治疗转归,将研究对象分为存活组(A组)和死亡组(B组),并应用Fournier坏疽严重程度指数(FGSI)和Uludag FGSI进行死亡风险评估,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)进行评分表效果评估,并利用Z检验比较FGSI和UFGSI之间准确性的差异.结果 存活组(A组)11例,死亡组(B组)4例.平均年龄(P =0.024)及术前美国麻醉师协会(ASA)评分(P =0.04)B组均显著高于A组.A组患者接受的清创次数明显多于B组患者.FGSI评分A组低于B组[(1.6±0.9)vs (3.8±1.7),P＜0.05].ROC曲线下面积(AUR) =0.886.UFGSI评分A组明显低于B组[(3.6±1.5)vs(6.0±2.2),P＜0.05],ROC AUR=0.852.UFGSI和FGSI的AUC比较差异无统计学意义.结论 FGSI和UFGSI均可有效预测我国Fournier坏疽患者的死亡风险,并且两种评分系统差异无显著统计学意义,但适合我国患者的死亡评估阈值还需要进一步大样本研究重新确定.     

Fournier's gangrene: vacuum-assisted closure versus conventional dressings

Background

Fournier's gangrene is a fulminant and destructive inflammation of the scrotum, penis, and perineum. The objective of this study was to compare 2 different approaches to wound management after aggressive surgical debridement.

Methods

Data from 35 patients with Fournier's gangrene were prospectively collected (1996-2007). Once the patients were stabilized following surgery, they were treated with either daily antiseptic (polyhexanide) dressings (group I, n = 16) or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy (group II, n = 19).

Results

The mean age of the patients was 58.2 years in group I and 57.2 years in group II. In both groups, the most common predisposing conditions were diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, and obesity. Escherichia coli, streptococcal species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently isolated organisms. Length of hospital stay was 27.8 days ± 27.6 days (mortality: 37.5%) in group I and 96.8 days ± 77.2 days (mortality: 5.3%) in group II. Enterostomies were performed in 43.8% of group I patients and in 89.5% of group II patients.

Conclusions

VAC was associated with significantly longer hospitalization and lower mortality. A partial explanation is that some patients with severe sepsis died within the first 3 days after admission and thus could not undergo vacuum therapy. Since our clinical experience has shown that vacuum dressings are particularly effective in the management of large wounds, we use VAC primarily for this indication despite the considerable material requirements involved.     

Fournier坏疽:一个真正的泌尿外科急症

目的 总结Fournier坏疽的诊断与治疗经验,提高对该病的诊断及治疗水平.方法 回顾性分析一例Fournier坏疽患者的主要症状及诊治情况,结合文献对该病的临床表现、诊断、治疗及预后进行讨论.结果 患者经积极抗感染、外科清创等综合治疗后效果良好.结论 Fournier坏疽是真正的泌尿外科急症,需要早期诊断,广谱及敏感抗生素应用、早期彻底清创、引流、及时处理并发症等全身综合治疗,这是改善本病预后的关键.     

Fournier's gangrene. Report of three cases and review of the literature

Fournier's gangrene, or synergistic gangrene of the male external genitalia is a rapidly spreading necrotising infection of the penis and scrotum. Although not so frequent in our civilized world it is by no means rare. In early days it was characterised by a high mortality. Aggressive surgical debridement, broad spectrum antibiotics and plastic reconstructive technics have all contributed to a better survival of the patients.     

The use of vacuum assisted closure therapy in the management of Fournier's gangrene

Background

Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC; Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, TX) has been used to successfully treat a variety of complex wounds. This technique was investigated for use in managing Fournier's gangrene following initial debridement.

Methods

Ten patients with Fournier's gangrene were treated in this study. After initial surgical debridement, 5 were treated using conventional therapy and 5 were treated with VAC at each dressing change. The effectiveness and cost of VAC for this indication were assessed; patient and physician satisfaction were also determined.

Results

Conventional and VAC treatment were equally effective in healing the wounds. The total costs of each treatment were similar. With the use of VAC, patients had fewer dressing changes, less pain, fewer skipped meals, and greater mobility. Hands-on treatment time was decreased for physicians using VAC.

Conclusions

VAC therapy is an effective and economical way to manage Fournier's gangrene. Patients and physicians were more satisfied with VAC therapy than with conventional treatment.     

Management of Fournier's Gangrene: Review of 45 Cases

Purpose Fournier's gangrene is a fatal synergistic infectious disease with necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and abdominal wall along with the scrotum and penis in men and the vulva in women. Methods The clinical and operative records of 45 patients with Fournier's gangrene during a 14-year period were analyzed. Results The etiology of the infection was identified in 39 patients. The most common causes were colorectal diseases and urogenital diseases. Four patients died with an overall mortality of 8.8%. The mortality rate was higher in patients with diabetes mellitus, but it was not statistically different. The age, duration of the symptoms, and the presence of rectal abscess were not found to be significant factors regarding mortality rate. Conclusions Surgery with extensive debridement of all necrotic tissue is the main stay of treatment.     

Synchronous penile urethra onlay patch and scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's gangrene using medial thigh flaps

Massive penoscrotal skin loss, frequently a sequela of Fournier's gangrene, can sometimes be successfully treated using skin grafts alone. If the urological debridement has been extensive with a concomitant disruption of the urethra, a regional vascularized flap must be introduced. A superiorly based fasciocutaneous flap can be constructed on the medial thigh to provide scrotal reconstruction. The underlying gracilis muscle is an ideal onlay patch for ventral penile defects. Simultaneous use of independent, multiple flaps from a single medial thigh donor site allows coverage of separate penile and scrotal deformities, and leaves only a linear scar.     

暴发性阴囊坏疽的局部处理方法探讨

目的 探索暴发性阴囊坏疽的治疗方法。方法 回顾分析9例暴发性阴囊坏疽治疗方案。9例患者均行外科清创，冲洗引流，抗感染等治疗，其中4例感染广泛蔓延的患者清创术后，采用U形多孔双向引流管引流。3例外暴露的睾丸暂置于浅表腔隙中，二期重建阴囊回纳睾丸。结果 留置U形管引流者，重复清创手术的次数明显减少，体温及血象恢复正常的时间较普通引流显著缩短，术后恢复迅速。结论 暴发性阴囊坏疽的治疗仍以清创及应用抗生素为主，术中多毋须切除睾丸。U形多孔双向引流管在清创术后引流效果确切，在促进康复有明显优势。     

Fournier's gangrene: a retrospective clinical study on forty-one patients

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene, first described by Dr Jean Alfred Fournier in 1883, still has a high mortality rate. The prognosis and outcome of such patients were analysed. METHODS: Forty-one patients with Fournier's gangrene were reviewed on the parameters of age, sex, aetiological agents, predisposing factors, treatment modalities and outcomes. RESULTS: Although early intervention and careful treatment was carried out, nine of 41 patients (21.9%) died as a result of complications of septicemia. Among the treatment modalities, there were extensive debridement, drainage, excisions of the skin and fascia, colostomy procedure, extensive antibiotic treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Although a combination of different treatment modalities were used, the mortality rate was 21.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier's gangrene is still a severe disease. Today, hyperbaric oxygen treatment is very effective in the treatment of this disease.     

Fournier坏疽23例报告

目的:探讨Fournier坏疽的诊断治疗措施。方法:回顾性分析23例Fournier坏疽的诊断和治疗方法。23例患者外阴均红肿、疼痛,并迅速阴囊坏疽,并发不同程度的阴茎、肛周、会阴、腹股沟、下肢坏疽。23例患者分别采取早期清创术,切开引流,抗炎及高压氧治疗。Ⅱ期有11例行阴囊成形术,7例行阴茎阴囊植皮术,2例阴茎坏死者行阴茎切除术后尿道外口成形术。1例行膀胱造瘘术,1例行结肠造瘘术。结果:20例痊愈,3例死亡。结论:Fourn ier坏疽病情凶险,早期诊断、外科综合治疗是治愈的关键。     

特发性阴囊坏疽的诊治

目的：探讨特发性阴囊坏疽的诊治方法。方法：回顾分析21例特发性阴囊坏疽患者的临床资料,结果：对21例患者均行早期多切口切开引流和广泛的清创,90．0％的患者行膀胱造口术,生存率为90．5％,结论：早期多切口切开引流,广泛清创,快速纠正休克,及时使用广谱抗素,以及全身支持治疗和必要的重复清创是治疗成功的关键。     

Fournier's Gangrene: Report of Six Cases

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fatal infectious disease with necrotic fasciitis of the external genitalia. This disease persists to this day in spite of recent advances in antibiotics. Although fewer than 100 cases have been reported in Japan, we have treated six cases in the last 4 years. The patients consisted of five men and one woman, with an average age of 47.5 years. All patients received surgical treatment including incisions, aggressive debridement, drainage, irrigation, and antibiotic therapy. Two patients, who suffered from underlying diseases of diabetic nephropathy and inclusion body myositis, died. These findings confirm the fact that FG requires a prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment. Received: April 10, 2000 / Accepted: November 20, 2000