[Fournier's gangrene in non-resectable colorectal carcinoma]

Abstract

Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia and perineum. Primary inflammatory focus is usually located in the genitourinary tract, skin or anorectum. The gangrene is caused by a mixed bacterial flora. The management is based on surgical debridement, drainage and antibiotics. Despite of adequate treatment mortality is approximately 20%. We present a case of 65 year-old male with a non-resectable rectal carcinoma who developed Fournier's gangrene after a palliative operation because of intestinal obstruction. Several excisions of the necrotic tissues were performed resulting in significant local improvement. The patient died of disseminated carcinoma a few weeks after the last debridement procedure.