Title: Evaluation of Aetiopathology and Prognostic factors in the Management of Fournier’s Gangrene

Authors: Dr V.K.Gupta, Dr O.K. Maurya

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i2.110

Abstract

Introduction

Fournier’s Gangreneis a type of necrotising fascitis affecting external genitalia and/or perineum or peri-anal region, which commonly affects men, but can also occur in women and children. Many terms have been used to describe this clinical condition including Idiopathic gangrene of the scrotum, Synergistic necrotising cellulitis, Periurethral phlegmen, Streptococcal scrotal gangrene, and Phagedma.

Although this clinical entity has been described initially by Baurienne in 1764[1]and Avicenna in 18772, it is named after French Parisian Venerologist Jean Alfred Fournier, who reported 5 cases of fulminant gangrene of penis and scrotum in young men in 1883.

Initially Fournier’s Gangrene was defined as an idiopathic entity, but subsequent research showed suppurative bacterial infections in majority of cases resulting in micro thrombosis of small subcutaneous blood vessels leading to development of gangrenous patches of overlying skin.

References

  1. Nathan B. Fournier’s Gangrene: a historical vignette,(Letter)), Can J Surg 1998 4172[PubMed].
  2. Fournier A.: Etude Clinique de in gangrene foudroyante de la verge. Semaine med., Paris, 1884,4:69, Quoted by Mansfield (1946).
  3. Dunaif, C. B.: Fournier’s Gangrene; Report of a case and review of the Plast, & Reconstruct, Surg., 1964, 33: 84-92.
  4. Fournier J – A.Gangrenefoudroyante de la verge. Semaine Medicale 18833345-348.
  5. Gregory, I. L. : Fournier’s Gangrene , Brit.J.Urol.,1955, 27: 116-119.
  6. Patty R, Smith AD. Gangrene and Fournier’s Gangrene .UrolClin North Am 1992:19:149.
  7. Begley MG, Shawker TH, Robertson CN, Fournier’s Gangrene: diagnosis with scrotal ultrasound. Radiology 1988, 169:387-89.
  8. Benizri E, Fabiani P, Miglion G, et al. Gangrene of the perineum. Urology 1996;47:935-9.
  9. Riseman JA, Zamboni WA, Ross DO. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces mortality and the need for debridement. Surgery 1990; 108: 847-50.
  10. Sachdeva, Y.V. and Khanna, B.C.: Idiopathic or spontaneous gangrene of the Ind. J.Surg., 1949, 11: 178-180.
  11. Gibson, T. B.: Idiopathic gangrene of the scrotum, with report of a case and review of literature. J. Urol., 1930, 23: 125-153.
  12. Mair, G.B.: Idiopathic gangrene of scrotum, Lancet, 1945, 1: 464-466.
  13. Thomas, J. F.:Fournier’s gangrene of the penis and scrotum. J.Urol., 1956, 75:719-27
  14. Campbell, J.C.: Fournier’s gangrene, British J. Urol., 1955, 27 : 106-113

Corresponding Author

Dr O.K. Maurya

M.B.B.S.; M.S.(General Surgery), D.A., Associate Professor,

Department of Surgery, Nalanda Medical College & Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India