FOURNIER’S GANGRENE: OUR EXPERIENCE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: An unusual, rapidly spreading fulminant form of necrotizing fasciitis that

can spread to the abdominal wall in the space between the fascial planes and affects the vaginal,

perianal, and perineal regions called Fournier's gangrene. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study

is to describe, analyse, and discuss the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary

aspects of Fournier's gangrene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case series

was carried out at General Surgery Department of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from

January 2020 to June 2022. Analysis was done on the primary causes, risk factors, postoperative

complications outcomes, and long-term follow-up findings. RESULTS: Total 46 patients were

included in the study. Age ranged between 20-70 years with a mean age of 45 years. There were

36(78.2%) males and 10(21.7%) females with a male to female ratio of 3.6:1. Diabetes mellitus was

found to be the most common risk factor 16(34.8%) followed by Tobacco 11(23.9%), Alcohol

8(17.4%), rectal adenocarcinoma 5(10.8%), morbid obesity 3(6.5%) & paraplegia 3(6.5%). Etiology

was found in 31(67%) cases which includes, 13(28.2%) due to anal abscess; 7(15.2%) had a

hemorrhoidal pathology, 5 (10.8%) anal fissure, 3(6.5%) had anal fistula and 3(6.5%) haddeveloped

the disease following perineal trauma. CONCLUSION: Fournier's Gangrene is a medical and

surgical emergency with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Patients are saved through early

diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and high-quality debridement.