Fournier's gangrene: experience of four cases.

Fournier's gangrene is an acute gangrenous inflammation of the male genitalia. In an 18-month period, four patients with Fournier's gangrene were treated at our hospital. Their ages ranged from 39 to 74 years (average 55.2). The presenting symptoms and signs included pain, swelling and necrosis of the scrotum and perineum, fever and jaundice were also noted. Three patients with the predisposing factor of urinary tract infection or perianal abscess recovered after surgical debridement and antibiotics treatment. Their hospital stay ranged between 13 and 50 days. One patient with diabetes, presenting severe septic shock at arrival, died one day after debridement. From the experience of our cases and review of the literature, early surgical debridement and antibiotics are mandatory for the treatment of Fournier's gangrene.