FOURNIERS GANGRENE

Since first described in 1883 by Fournier only 420 cases of Fournier's gangrene have been published worldwide during the last 100 years. The anatomic association between the fascies of penis, scrotum, perineum, groin and gluteal favors the fast spread of tissue necrosis. We repor t two cases in which the penis, scrotum and a great part of the trunk and extremities were affected. Extensive debridement, including remova l of the scrotum, and antibiotic treatment permitted us to get rid of the symptoms. Reconstruction of the skin defects was done in a second step by applying mesh grafts. The histological findings correspond to those found in cases of necrotizing fasciitis. The basic difference be tween these two illnesses is their localization. While Fournier's gang rene, as a special form, is localized primarily in the anogenital area , fasciitis may arise in all locations. For successful treatment of Fo urnier's gangrene speedy radical debridement and local application of antibiotics to cover the entire area are required.