Fournier gangrene: surgeon’s view of the problem’s current state (a review of literature)

Abstract

Nowadays Fournier gangrene remains poorly studied and extremely dangerous pathology. This condition is defined as polymicrobial necrotic fasciitis of the perineum, perianal or genital areas, characterized by rapid progression. The prevalence of Fournier gangrene among emergency surgical pathology increases annually. The disease is multifactorial. This rare and deadly infection is the result of the interaction of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The immune status of the body is also important. Fournier gangrene can manifest as a rare side effect when taking antidiabetic drugs. The disease most often occurs in patients older than sixty years, which have characteristic comorbidities – diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, metabolic disorders. The outcome of the disease depends largely on the time of emergency surgical treatment from the onset of the disease. Timely diagnosis allows minimizing the frequency of complications and deaths. The literature review presents modern views on the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease, studied predisposing factors, considered clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria that determine the course and outcome of this pathology.

Keywords

• fournier gangrene
• pararectal tissue
• lightning scrotal gangrene
• necrotizing fasciitis