Amputation of the penis and bilateral orchiectomy due to extensive debridement for Fournier s gangrene: Case report and review of the literature

Fournier s gangrene is a rare disease with rapidly progressive necrotising fasciitis of the genital, perineal and perianal regions and is known to have an impact in the morbidity and the mortality. Despite antibiotics and aggressive debridement, mortality rate is still high. We present a 79-year-old man who was admitted to School of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey, with painful swelling of penoscrotal region. Perineal examination revealed the entire perineal skin to be gangrenous, necrotic and foul smelling. Despite the aggressive drainage and broad- spectrum antibiotic therapy, the gangrene progressed rapidly in hours and the patient s general condition worsened. Secondary extensive debridement including bilateral orchiectomy and amputation of the penis was performed. This disease may result in loss of organ such as testes and penis even with sufficient therapy.