Treatment Of Fournier Gangrene Research Articles

Center-based First-line Therapy Is a Significant Predictor for Mortality of Fournier Gangrene

Introduction: Fournier gangrene is a life-threatening urological disease that requires rapid surgical intervention. Despite major improvements in medical therapy, the mortality of Fournier gangrene has not changed during the past 25 years. To potentially improve the outcome, we analyzed different medical processes for overall mortality in the treatment of Fournier gangrene. Methods: We performed a retrospective single-center study of 21 patients with Fournier gangrene. Patients were grouped according to initial symptoms, first medical advice, blood tests, medical history, and further clinical processes and compared using a t test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test. A t test for heterogeneous variances was used if a Levene test showed significantly different variances, otherwise a t test for homogeneous variances was used. The log-rank test was applied for survival analysis. Logistic regression was applied to identify potential clinical predictors for mortality. Follow-up was performed until 130 days after the first surgical intervention. Results: There were no significant differences in the mortality rate of patients depending on the day and time of presentation in the hospital. Of the patients first consulting a urologist (either outpatient or hospital), no patient died within the first 120 days. By contrast, approximately 70% of patients who were transferred by a hospital without urologic specialization or a nonurologic outpatient clinic (P = .008) died within the first 130 days after surgery. Multivariate survival analysis showed that the type of first doctor's advice could serve as a significant factor in determining patients' mortality (P = .031), which also correlated with a significantly shorter duration of the first surgical procedure (110 vs 54 minutes, P = .019). Conclusion: Despite the small cohort, we were able to show a significant correlation between the initial doctor's advice, either by a urologist or nonurologist, and the patient's mortality. Considering the life-threatening potential of Fournier gangrene, professionals should develop strategies to educate nonurologists and raise awareness about this disease and its clinical presentation to optimize rapid intervention and reduce mortality.

Progress in Multidisciplinary Treatment of Fournier's Gangrene.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a life-threatening and special form of necrotizing fasciitis, characterized by occult onset, rapid progress and high mortality, occurring mainly in men over 50 years of age. Risk factors of FG include diabetes, HIV infection, chronic alcoholism and other immunosuppressive state. FG was previously considered as an idiopathic disease, but in fact, three quarters of the infections originated from the skin, urethra and gastrointestinal tract. Initial symptoms of FG are often inconsistent with severity and can progress promptly to fatal infection. Although the treatment measures of FG have been improved in recent years, the mortality does not seem to have decreased significantly and remains at 20% - 30%. The time to identify FG and the waiting period before surgical debridement are directly related to the prognosis. Therefore, in addition to the combination of intensive fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotics, treatment of FG should particularly emphasize the importance of early surgical debridement assisted with fecal diversion and skin reconstruction when necessary. This paper is to briefly summarize the progress in the definition, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Fournier's gangrene in recent years, more importantly, illustrates the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation in the management of FG.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fournier Gangrene in Secondary Hospital; A Report of Two Cases

Fournier Gangrene (FG) is a specific form of necrotizing fasciitis that localized on genital and perianal, although it is rare but it is progressively fast and potentially fatal. The incidence of FG is 1.6 cases per 100,000 males, with a case fatality rate of 7.5%. Proper diagnosis and management are very important to avoid serious complications. Early debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics and immediate supportive therapy, can reduce mortality. The objective is reporting two cases of FG who were admitted to a secondary hospital and what is the best management based on our setting. The method is qualitative observational study. The material collected through direct interview and from medical record. The best management for our setting was rapid diagnosis and followed by prompt debridement.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fournier Gangrene in Secondary Hospital; A Report of Two Cases

Fournier Gangrene (FG) is a specific form of necrotizing fasciitis that localized on genital and perianal, although it is rare but it is progressively fast and potentially fatal. The incidence of FG is 1.6 cases per 100,000 males, with a case fatality rate of 7.5%. Proper diagnosis and management are very important to avoid serious complications. Early debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics and immediate supportive therapy, can reduce mortality. The objective is reporting two cases of FG who were admitted to a secondary hospital and what is the best management based on our setting. The method is qualitative observational study. The material collected through direct interview and from medical record. The best management for our setting was rapid diagnosis and followed by prompt debridement.

Effect of Colostomy on Treatment Outcome in Fournier Gangrene: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Background and Aim: Value of colostomy in management of Fournier gangrene (FG) is a debatable issue. Almost all relevant studies are retrospective and included heterogeneous patients' groups. The present prospective study aimed to evaluate the role of colostomy in management of FG affecting the perianal region in 2 well-matched FG groups. Patients and Methods: The present prospective comparative study included 30 patients with FG associated with extensive involvement of the perianal region. They comprised 15 patients subjected to colostomy and other 15 patients who refused to perform the procedure. Colostomy was performed after the first debridement. Outcome parameters in the present study included time to wound healing, length of hospital stay, and inhospital mortality. Results: Comparison between the studied groups regarding the preoperative characteristics revealed no statistically significant differences. Postoperatively, patients in the colostomy group had significantly fewer number of debridements (1.3 ± 0.5 vs 2.7 ± 1.2, P < .001), shorter hospital stay (9.5 ± 3.3 vs 29.9 ± 6.2 days, P < .001), and significantly shorter time to wound healing (16.5 ± 3.9 vs 42.9 ± 6.9 days, P < .001). Also, patients in the colostomy group had significantly lower rate of wound dehiscence, wound infection, and flap ischemia. However, the difference wasn't statistically significant. Conclusions: Aggressive treatment of FG aided by colostomy after first debridement would result in better clinical outcome.

Fournier's Gangrene: Our Five-Year Series and the Role of Vacuum-Assisted Closure in the Treatment.

Fournier's Gangrene (FG) is the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal region. To compare the effectiveness of debridement alone and debridement with vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene. Twenty-two patients operated for FG were analyzed retrospectively. Debridement-only and debridement + VAC treatment groups were compared in terms of age, gender, predisposing factors, comorbid diseases, intensive care unit and hospital stay durations, laboratory results, septic shock, treatment methods, Fournier' gangrene severity index (FGSI) and mortality. The M/F ratio was 13/9. There were 10 and 12 patients in debridement-only and debridement + VAC groups, respectively. Ten patients (45.5%) were admitted to intensive care unit, 8 (36.4%) needed colostomy and 7 (31.9%) developed septic shock, respectively. The mortality rate was 27.3%. There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, laboratory parameters, number of debridement, length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital, shock duration, and mortality (P > 0.05). The FGSI scores also did not show any difference between the groups which showed that the severity of the disease in both groups are similar. The VAC treatment was found not to provide a statistically significant benefit on mortality. Early and adequate debridement and antibiotic are still the most important factors in the treatment of FG and to reduce mortality.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la gangrena de Fournier

OBJETIVO:Describir el manejo quirúrgico realizado para la reconstrucción génitoperineal (RGP) en pacientes con secuelas de Gangrena de Fournier (GF). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS:Corresponde a una serie de casos retrospectiva de pacientes con secuelas de GF a los que se les realizó RGP entre el 2011 al 2019. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo con las variables de técnica quirúrgica, edad, sexo, comorbilidades, subunidades anatómicas afectadas, origen anatómico de la gangrena de fournier, número de procedimientos quirúrgicos, procedimiento de colostomía, terapia de presión negativa, Flexi-Seal®, bacterias aisladas, duración de estancia hospitalaria, tipo de procedimientos reconstructivos y complicaciones. RESULTADOS:Se realizó RGP a 43 pacientes (81,1% masculinos), con un promedio de edad de 59,1 (17–86 años). 72,7% eran diabéticos. El número de subunidades involucradas se asocia directamente y significativamente en relación al número de intervenciones quirúrgicas. Las técnicas utilizadas para la reconstrucción en orden de frecuencia fueron: colgajos (23%), cierre parcial más injerto dermoepidérmico de grosor parcial (IPP) (20%), cierre parcial (16%) e IPP (16%), cierre por segunda intención (10%), colgajo más IPP (7%) y cierre parcial para cierre por segunda intención de zona restante (5%).DISCUSIÓN:La elección de reconstrucción se basa en las características del defecto, es decir, el tamaño, la ubicación y profundidad, así como la disponibilidad de tejido local. De preferencia optar por cierres primarios sin tensión, seguido de colgajos y de IPP.CONCLUSIÓN: La RGP es un desafío para el cirujano plástico. Las técnicas descritas han demostrado ser seguras y reproducibles para el tratamiento quirúrgico de la Gangrena de Fournier.

Contemporary practice patterns in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene in German academic medicine and their implications for planning aregistry study

HintergrundDie Fournier-Gangrän (FG) ist ein seltenes, aber lebensbedrohliches Krankheitsbild, dessen Prognose in den letzten Jahren nicht wesentlich verbessert werden konnte.Ziel der ArbeitPrimäres Studienziel ist die Deskription der Therapiesituation von FG an deutschen Universitätskliniken. Als sekundäres Studienziel sollen Faktoren identifiziert werden, die mit einer erhöhten Letalität assoziiert sind. Außerdem sollen die Daten zur Planung einer Registerstudie dienen.Material und MethodenEs wurde ein Fragebogen mit 29 Fragen an die Mitglieder des Verbands Universitätsklinika Deutschlands sowie eine 3‑malige Erinnerung zur Studienteilnahme im Zeitraum April bis Juni 2020 versandt. Die Datenverwaltung und statistische Analyse erfolgte mit SPSS 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Il, USA).ErgebnisseDie Antwortrate betrug 88,9 %. Im Median werden jährlich 5 Patienten mit einem medianen Alter von 60 Jahren an deutschen Universitätsklinika mit der Diagnose FG therapiert. Insgesamt stellt sich die Therapiesituation sehr heterogen dar, insbesondere hinsichtlich der empirischen Erstantibiose. Ein signifikanter Risikofaktor für eine Letalität > 20 % konnte identifiziert werden: Intensivaufenthalt von größer gleich 10 Tagen (p = 0,039). Die Hälfte (50,0 %) der Befragten geben an, dass sich die Prognose der Erkrankung nicht wesentlich verbessert hat. Weiterhin halten viele der Befragten die Letalität für inakzeptabel hoch, daher befürworten 84,4 % eine Registerstudie. Aus den Kommentaren der Befragten konnten zahlreiche Vorschläge sowie Implikationen für die Planung einer solchen Studie abgeleitet werden, wie z. B. die histologische Sicherung der FG.SchlussfolgerungDie Therapiesituation der FG ist heterogen. Allerdings sind die Therapieergebnisse weiterhin inakzeptabel und schwer prognostizierbar.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of Fournier gangrene

Background and objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in the treatment of Fournier gangrene (FG). Material and methods: Forty-eight male patients treated for Fournier gangrene were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups (Group I: conventional dressing, Group II: VAC therapy). Characteristics of the patients, laboratory parameters, number of debridement procedures, daily number of dressings, visual analogue scale (VAS) during dressing, analgesic requirement, colostomy requirement, time from the first debridement to wound closure, wound closure method, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates were compared. Results: Group I comprised 33 patients and Group II comprised 15 patients. The number of dressings, VAS score and daily analgesic requirement were statistically significantly lower in Group II (p &lt; 0.05) than in Group I. The number of debridement procedures, colostomy requirement, orchiectomy rate, time from first debridement to wound closure, length of hospital stay, wound closure method and mortality rate were similar between these two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The clinical results of conventional dressing and VAC therapy were similar for treating FG. VAC therapy is an effective postoperative wound care method that offers less requirement for dressing changes, less pain, less analgesic requirement and more patient satisfaction compared to conventional dressing.

Mortality associated with Fournier's gangrene remains unchanged over 25years.

To report a case series of Fournier's gangrene (FG) from our institution, and to investigate its mortality over the past 25years. Case notes of men presenting to our institution from 2013 to 2016 with FG were reviewed. As well as age, diabetic history, length of stay, length of stay in critical care, and mortality; we calculated (where possible) the Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (UFGSI). Published studies and cases series reporting the mortality rates for FG were reviewed from 1993 to 2018. The size of the study, country of origin, average age and gender ratio were collected, alongside mortality. Two of the 11 patients treated for FG at out institution died within 90days of admission, a mortality rate of 18%. Predicted mortality was significantly higher. A total of 173 publications were identified from the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) database published between 1993 and 2018, reporting data from 1975 to 2018. Analysis of heterogeneity, by both time and precision, supported exclusion of four retrospective coded database-driven studies from the analysis. From the remaining studies, mortality ranged from 0% to 42%. Of the 6152 reported cases, there were 1220 deaths, giving an overall mortality rate of 19.8%. There was no evidence of a significant change in the mortality rate for FG over time (P=0.996). In our case series, the mortality rate for FG was 18%, despite a higher predicated mortality (based on UFGSI scores). The treatment of FG remains appropriate resuscitation, aggressive surgical debridement, and critical care management. Perceived high risk of mortality should not deter aggressive management. Mortality due to FG does not appear to have changed over the past 25years, and is estimated at 19.8%. In studies identifying cases of FG, careful attention should be paid to case definition, particularly when cases are being abstracted retrospectively from large coded databases.

Advances in the research of Fournier gangrene

Fournier gangrene is a relatively rare clinical critical disease, and its clinical symptoms are not specific and easily unrecognized by some clinicians. It has the features of acute onset, quick development, severe illness, and often accompanied by infection shock which is seriously life-threatening. It is difficult in treatment with high medical costs and long length of hospitalization, which increases pain for patients and relatives and brings heavy economic and psychological burden on patients, society, and medical workers. By reviewing the literature home and abroad and combined with clinical practice, I summarize the researches on concept, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of Fournier gangrene, in order to provide reference for vast number of clinical workers.

Which Method Is Better to Provide Wound Healing in Fournier Gangrene: Dakin Solution or Conventional Antiseptic Dressings? A Retrospective Study

Fournier gangrene is described as necrotizing fasciitis involving the genital, perineal, and perianal area. Early surgical debridement of necrotic tissues, topical therapy, and antibiotics are fundamental in the treatment of Fournier gangrene. We aimed to compare the effects of Dakin solution and povidone iodine solution on patient outcomes by using the Fournier gangrene severity index (FGSI). The demographic data, comorbid diseases, local therapeutic interventions, FGSI, necessity of diverting colostomy or orchiectomy, hospitalization time, number of debridements, complications, and outcomes of 57 patients with Fournier gangrene were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 47 of 57 patients (82.5%) were male, and 10 patients (17.5%) were female, with a mean age of 62.3 ± 13.8 years (range, 27–85 years). The survivors were significantly younger than the nonsurvivors. The mean FGSI score was 4 (range, 1–9) in survivors, and mean FGSI score was 9 (range, 6–10) in nonsurvivors. FGSI score was significantly higher in the mortality group. The median hospital stay was 13 days (range, 3–34 days) in the Dakin solution group and 20 days (range, 1–41 days) in the povidone iodine group. Overall mortality rate was 17.5%. Advanced age had a statistically significant effect on mortality. The hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the Dakin solution group, and use of Dakin solution decreased the number of debridements. Dakin solution has favorable effects on hospital stay and the necessity of multiple debridements. Dakin solution seems to be a good and cost-effective choice for treatment in local wound healing.

Is Intensive Multimodality Therapy the Best Treatment for Fournier Gangrene? Evaluation of Clinical Outcome and Survival Rate of 41 Patients

To evaluate the effect of surgical wound debridement, antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the treatment of Fournier gangrene (FG). Forty-one patients with a mean age of 54.3±14.6 years were referred to our department with a diagnosis of FG. To calculate a Fourier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI), nine factors were assessed (temperature; heart rate; ventilatory rate; serum sodium, potassium, creatinine, and bicarbonate concentrations; hematocrit; and leukocyte count). After clinical stabilization, extensive debridement of the necrotic tissue was performed, and a surgical vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.®) device was applied. Hyperbaric oxygen was administered; medical therapy consisted of intravenous antibiotics, electrolyte replacement, and parenteral nutrition. Intraoperative cultures revealed Escherichia coli in 27 patients (66%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 28 (68%), gram-positive cocci in 24 (59%), and mixed flora (aerobic and anaerobic bacteria) in 39 (95%). One month after primary debridement, wound granulation was sufficient for plastic surgical reconstruction in all patients. Because of the rapid worsening of FG, early diagnosis and immediate, aggressive multi-modality therapy with surgical debridement and broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics is crucial. The utility of HBO remains unproved.

Fournier Gangrene: Our Approach and Patients

Aim: This retrospective analysis presents our experience in treating Fournier gangrene (FG) and aims to bring in focus diagnostic and therapeutic problems as well as early and aggressive treatment. Patients and Methods: A total of 16 male patients were included in the study. The gastrointestinal form was seen in 5 and the urogenital form in 11 patients. The subjects ranged in age from 39 to 74 years (average 61) for the urogenital, and from 48 to 72 (average 58) for the gastrointestinal form. Other conditions were seen in 9 patients (diabetes mellitus was most common). Most patients were infected with several bacteria. We performed colostomy in 1 patient, orchidectomy in 2 patients, cystostomy in 2 patients and penis amputation in 1 patient. Ultrasound-guided biopsy or aspiration, and CT was also used. Aggressive surgical necrectomy and aggressive antimicrobial therapy was used. Results: Treatment was successful in 14 of 16 patients (87.5%). The length of hospitalization was 19–58 days (average 48) for the urogenital form and 24–56 days (average 41) for the gastrointestinal form. Mortality was 12.5%. A lethal outcome was recorded in two patients infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The average time between onset and hospitalization was 3–11 days (5 on average) for urogenital FG and 4–10 days (average 6) for gastrointestinal FG. Treatment was significantly longer in patients with a comorbidity, such as diabetes or liver cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse. Conclusion: Early diagnosis as well as intensive and aggressive treatment are key to successful treatment of FG. Comorbidity increases length of therapy and lowers the chance for recovery. Disease can be seen again several years after the initial outburst.

Fournier-Gangrän mit letalem Verlauf bei einer Patientin mit Diabetes mellitus

A 67-year-old woman with insuline-dependent diabetes mellitus and chronic alcohol abuse was admitted with impaired consciousness and fever. Physical examination showed a livid induration of the perineal and vaginal soft tissues with crepitations. Laboratory tests showed greatly elevated infection parameters. Abdominal computed tomography revealed perineal and vaginal subcutaneous gas accumulation extending into the ventral abdominal wall. The combination of an obscure infection and subcutaneous genital gas accumulation suggested the diagnosis of Fournier gangrene, a necrotizing fasciitis. In spite of administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and repeated surgical removal of necrotic tissue the patient died of multiple organ failure. Successful treatment of Fournier gangrene critically depends on immediate treatment. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and aggressive surgical resection of the necrotic tissue may prevent continuing spreading of the infection. Computed tomography provides an early diagnosis and guides the presurgical evaluation of the subcutaneous spread.

Fournier’s Gangrene: Management at a Regional Burn Center

Fournier's gangrene (FG) describes necrotizing infections of the perineum in both sexes. Controversies in treatment of FG include the roles of orchiectomy, urinary and/or fecal diversion, and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Because burn centers often treat these patients, we reviewed our experience with FG during a 14-year period. With Institutional Review Board approval, we reviewed our TRACS/ABA database for patients treated for FG during 1992 to 2005. Data was recorded on demographics, preexisting medical conditions, treatment, and outcomes. Thirty patients (20 men) were identified. Mean age was 54.3 +/- 14.1 years. Predisposing conditions included diabetes in 16 patients (53%), and morbid obesity and immunosuppression in 6 each. Twenty-two patients were transferred from outside hospitals, 12 after initial surgery. Sixteen patients presented with shock (blood pressure <90/60 mm Hg). Patients underwent a mean of 4.1 surgical procedures. Ten infections penetrated the deep fascia of the perineum or abdominal wall. Suprapubic cystostomy was performed in three patients, colostomy in seven, orchiectomy in one. HBO was not used. Hospitalization averaged 25.3 +/- 15.6 days. Mean charges ($1000) were $131.5 +/- 108.3. Definitive wound closure was obtained before discharge with suture repair and/or skin grafting in 18 of 25 survivors (72%). Five patients died (17%). In logistic regression analysis, the presence of shock on admission and female gender (mortality 40%) were significantly associated with mortality. FG remains a devastating infection, which occurs primarily in compromised patients. In this series, aggressive burn center care produced outcomes equivalent to those published in other series with or without use of HBO. Colostomy and urinary diversion can be used very selectively in these patients; orchiectomy is rarely required.

Fournier's gangrene: can aggressive treatment save life?

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressive, fulminant infection of the scrotum, perineum and the abdominal wall. FG is caused by synergic aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Modern surgical series report mortality of up to 67%. This originally rare disease has become more frequent. Aggressive treatment including antibiotics, antigangrenous serum, and treatment of all accompanied diseases and disorders can be successful. Treatment also includes debridement and plastic corrections. Authors describe management of 8 patients with FG. Treatment of FG and all accompanied diseases was in all cases successful. Treatment costs of this kind of patients were approximately 20 times higher than treatment of patients with other urologic diseases.