A case of successful treatment of Fournier's gangrene through conservative management and elective debridement

Abstract

Introduction Fournier's gangrene refers to a necrotizing fasciitis that mainly affects the perineal region and a condition that requires immediate debridement. This case involved elective debridement of Fournier's gangrene after the general condition was improved through antibiotic treatment instead of requesting an emergency debridement. Case presentation The patient was an 85‐year‐old man with a performance status of 4 admitted to a nursing home. He was transferred by ambulance with a fever. Blood tests showed a markedly elevated inflammatory response, and computed tomography revealed widespread aerodermectasia around the right testis to the lower abdomen. The patient was diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene. However, his family declined emergency surgical debridement. The patient's general condition was improved with antibiotics, and debridement was eventually performed. After 52 days of hospitalization, the patient was transferred to another hospital. Conclusion This study describes the successful treatment of Fournier's gangrene through conservative treatment followed by elective debridement.

Keywords

• elective debridement
• Fournier's gangrene
• Necrotizing fasciitis