Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare, rapidly progressive, fulminant form of necrotizing fasciitis of the genital, perianal and perineal regions. Several factors have been reported to contribute to the clinical outcomes. The primary aims of this study were to examine the clinical features of patients with FG and evaluate the predictivity of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) score on the outcomes. We carried out a collective retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed and treated for FG in three reference centers between January 1995 and July 2007. Seventy-two patients with FG with were included to the study. Data were collected on medical history, symptoms, physical examination findings, admission and final laboratory tests, timing and extent of surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. Perianal and perirectal abscess, scrotal abscess and urethral stenosis were the leading etiological factors. Diabetes mellitus was the predominant risk factor. Etiological factors and risk factors did not significantly contribute to survival or mortality, and duration of the symptoms was significantly longer in the non-survivor's group (P < 0.05). The FGSI scores were higher in the non-survivor's group. Regression analysis showed a FGSIS score of 10.5 as the cut-off to the outcome. Based on these results, we conclude that a patient's metabolic status and the extent of disease at presentation are the most important factors determining the prognosis of FG. The FGSI score may be considered as an objective and simple tool to predict the outcome in the patient with FG and should be used in further studies of FG patient series for comparison purposes.

Combined duplication of the colon and vermiform appendix is one of the rare congenital anomalities of the alimentary tract. Only a few cases have been reported in the adult population. A 28-year-old man presented to the clinic with a mass in the right flank. Imaging showed only a hydronephrotic atrophic kidney. The final diagnosis was only available at exploration. Combined duplication of the tubular colon and vermiform appendix was confirmed histopathologically. The patient was treated with nephrectomy and complete resection of the duplicated colon and vermiform appendix. The patient recovered uneventfully, and has done well for the past year. This is believed to be one of the first reports of combined duplication of the tubular colon and vermiform appendix as a cause of hydronephrotic atrophic kidney in an adult patient.

Introduction. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare tumor, presenting difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Peritoneum is the second most common area of the mesothelioma after pleura, and even synchronous pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas are observed in 30–45% of all cases. The diagnosis may be difficult due to lack of specific symptoms and clinical findings. In addition, a delay in the diagnosis is not rare especially in the absence of previous asbestos exposure. Here we report two cases of malignant peritoneal mesotheliomas. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these rare neoplasms are discussed. Case Presentation. The cases were two men (one aged 54 years old and the other 40 years old). Prolonged abdominal pain and swelling were the primary presentation symptoms and findings. The mesotheliomas were developed in the right upper quadrant of abdomen in both of the cases. Both cases were treated with surgical resection. Final diagnosis were possible with histological and immunohistochemical documentation of tumor characteristics, which were consistent with dictating a mesothelial origin. No history of asbestos exposure was reported. Conclusion. Peritoneal mesotheliomas are rare clinical entities. However, patients with prolonged abdominal pain and abdominal masses should be considered to have atypical pathologies such as peritoneal mesotheliomas.

Acute appendicitis, which requires immediate surgical intervention, is an important diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen. However, developmental abnormalities may interfere with the preoperative diagnosis and surgical treatment in some cases. Agenesis and atresia of the cecal vermiform appendix is an extremely rare clinical diagnosis. In addition, preoperative diagnosis may be difficult in some cases. Thus, diagnosis of the congenital absence of the vermiform appendix requires a thorough exploration of the retrocecal and ileocecal regions. A 59-year-old male was admitted from the emergency services with right lower abdominal pain. A celiotomy was performed with the suspicion of acute appendicitis. However, an atresia of the vermiform appendix was observed. The patient's appendix was thus removed. Pathological examination confirmed suppurative appendicitis. This case underlines the importance of the clinical entity for surgeons who may deal with a similar case.

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