Fournier's gangrene as a result of necrosis caused by urethral catheter

Abstract

Fournier's gangrene is a specific form of necrotizing fascitis, which involves mainly superficial and deep fascial layer of the genitals and is often lethal in case of late surgical intervention. Anorectal infections, genitourinary infections or trauma, or infection of the skin of perineum can cause Fournier's gangrene, while diabetes mellitus and chronic alcoholism are predisposing factors. Injuries of the urethra during catheterization are common especially by untrained staff, and most injuries are due to inflation of balloon while in urethra. We present the case of 81-year-old man reffered to our department due to pain and swelling in the right inguinal region and penis, which lasted for three weeks. Clinical suspicion of Fournier's gangrene was confirmed by CT examination. Treatment was surgical and pharmacological. Fournier's gangrene is a serious disease that must be differentiated from other soft tissue infections. Radical surgical debridman and the application of broad-spectrum antibiotics is of great importance in increasing the survival rates of patients with necrotizing infections.