Partial penectomy after debridement of a Fournier's gangrene progressing with an isolated penile necrosis

Abstract

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare and often fulminant necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital region frequently due to polymicrobial infection. This truly emergent condition is typically seen in elderly, diabetic and immune compromised patients. Here, we report an unusual case of FG with isolated glans penis necrosis in a diabetic 77-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department complaining 5 days of pain and darkening of the glans penis. Examination of the patient's glans penis was consistent with FG and included significant erythema and infectious discharge. He was given intravenous antibiotics and emergency debridement was done. On following days, the necrotic area spread to distal parts of both cavernosal areas. Partial penectomy was performed. Isolated penile involvement in FG is very rare. Performing partial penectomy in appropriate cases can save penile length, stop the progression of disease, and increase the quality of life.