Background: Fournier's gangrene is a synergistic necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and abdominal wall that develops in the scrotum and penis in men and the vulva and groin in women. This disease was initially believed to be idiopathic; however, recent studies have indicated that it is a serious condition caused by gram-positive, gram-negative, or anaerobic bacteria. It is often associated with severe and fatal systemic involvement. Methods: A retrospective study involving a chart review of 23 patients with Fournier's syndrome treated between January 2002 and January 2012 was conducted. Prompt treatment consisted of broad-spectrum antibiotic administration and serial debridement. The reconstruction techniques ranged from edge approximation via simple sutures to the use of flaps and grafts in cases with extensive lesions. Results: The skin and scrotal reconstruction techniques were effective in all cases, yielding satisfactory aesthetic results. Three (13%) patients died, including 2 patients who had previous illnesses and comorbidities. Conclusions: Although Fournier's syndrome is a serious disease, therapeutic measures such as prompt intervention, with early debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, in a multidisciplinary approach is very effective for controlling the disease, enabling surgical reconstruction of the affected areas with a low mortality rate.Keywords: Fournier gangrene. Fasciitis, necrotizing. Reconstructive surgical procedures/ methods.
RESUMO
Introdução:A gangrena de Fournier é uma fasciite necrosante sinérgica do períneo e parede abdominal, que tem origem no escroto e pênis, no homem, e vulva e virilha, na mulher. O processo inicialmente foi descrito como idiopático, mas atualmente sabe-se que se trata de grave afecção causada por bactérias Gram positivas, Gram negativas ou anaeróbios, que pode levar a comprometimento sistêmico importante e, eventualmente, morte. Método: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo, baseado na análise de prontuários médicos de 23 pacientes portadores de síndrome de Fournier, no período de janeiro de 2002 a janeiro de 2012. O tratamento dos pacientes incluiu intervenção precoce, com antibioticoterapia de largo espectro e desbridamentos consecutivos. O procedimento terapêutico empregado para a reconstrução variou desde a aproximação das bordas com sutura simples até uso de retalhos e enxertos, nas lesões extensas. Resultados: As técnicas de reparação cutânea foram eficientes e a reparação escrotal foi também efetiva em todos os casos, obtendo-se bons resultados estéticos. Houve 3 (13%) óbitos, 2 deles em pacientes com doenças pregressas This study was performed at the
