Fournier gangrene

Abstract

Fournier gangrene is a necrotizing soft tissue infection of the male perineum, although similar infections have been described in women. It is a type of necrotizing fasciitis, distinguished by its location of origin and the vast majority of cases being mixed infections of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It is characterized by a rapidly spreading soft tissue infection that travels along perineal subcutaneous fascial planes and obliterates perforating skin vessels but spares underlying muscle. High mortality rates have resulted in a heightened awareness by surgeons with a low threshold for intervention.