EVALUATION OF FOURNIERâ??S GANGRENE IN FEMALE PATIENTS
Fournier’s gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotising fasciitis of the perineal and genitourinary region. The pathological process progresses rapidly through the fascial planes to the buttock, abdominal wall, back, pelvis and retroperitoneum. USG, CT and MRI provides early detection in clinically indolent cases. Resuscitation of the patient, appropriate antibiotics, multiple incisions, surgical debridement and fecal diversion was done depending on severity of cases.
Purpose- Fournier’s gangrene is predominantly a disease of males. The present study reviews our 2 year experience with Fournier’s gangrene in female patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective review of 16 consecutive female patients with Fournier’s gangrene was performed. Demographic characteristics, bacteriology study and treatment results were recorded.
RESULTS
Mean age was 74.5 years (range, 54-96 years). Most cases of Fournier’s gangrene originated from anorectal infections. Diabetes was the most common co-morbid condition. Polymicrobial infection occurred in most patients. No predominant organism was found. Half of the patients had infection extending beyond the perianal and perineal regions. Fourteen (87.5%) patients received fecal diversion. The mortality rate was 25%.
CONCLUSION
Fournier’s gangrene occurred in females with a pattern similar to that in males. However, most female patients received fecal diversion.
