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.