Fournier’s gangrene secondary to male’s circumcision – a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene is necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia, perineal and perianal region associated with a significant mortality rate. The potentially fatal disease is caused both by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and primarily occurs in men. The majority of Fournier's gangrene cases is idiopathic or derived from perineal and genital skin infections. Early surgical debridement of necrotic tissues and antibiotics are fundamental. CASE: We report a rare case of Fourniers gangrene of a 57-year-old man secondary to circumcision. The patient presented due to painful swelling of the scrotum and perineum associated with high-grade fever. The patient received broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent immediate surgical debridement; a total of five other debridements were performed during the recovery until the wounds healed. On a second recovery phase, we performed a penile reconstruction with full thickness skin graft with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. CONCLUSION: FG remains an urgent condition associated with a high mortality rate, requiring immediate treatment. More statistical reports and standard guidelines are necessary to improve the rate of its survival.