Factors affecting the number of debridements in fournier's gangrene: Our results in 36 cases

Abstract

Background We aimed to evaluate the factors potentially affecting the number of surgical debridements in patients with Fournier's gangrene (FG) who underwent single or multiple operative sessions. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 36 patients with FG. The patients were assigned to one of two groups according to the number of debridements (Group I: single session; Group II: ≥2 sessions). Data of the patients (clinical and surgical data, lesion characteristics, FG severity index, and prognosis) were compared between the groups. Results The mean age of the patients was 55.5 years, and all were male. Group I consisted of 21 patients and Group II of 15 patients. The mean number of debridements was 2.2 in Group II. Our overall mortality rate was 11% (Group I: 4.8% vs Group II: 20%; p=0.287). Diabetes was the most common coexistent pathology (44%). Time to admission to the clinic, size of the lesions at admission, and FG Severity Index (FGSI) scores of the groups were similar. In Group II, FGSI scores were found increased before each of the repeated debridement sessions (p<0.05). Conclusion There was no difference in the clinical data of the patients who required single or multiple debridement sessions; however, FGSI may be useful in deciding repeated debridements, as it was found increased at each repeated session.