Necrotizing anorectal and perineal infections

Abstract

Sixteen cases of spontaneous necrotizing infection of the anorectum and perineum are described. Thirteen patients had clostridial infections and three had infections with nonclostridial organisms. Six patients were diabetic and two had leukemia. All 16 patients presented with pain, tenderness, swelling, and crepitation. Four had an ominous black spot on the scrotum or posterior labia. Shortly after initial recognition by the patient, all infections rapidly disseminated to include all surrounding areas such as the external genitalia, the anterior abdominal wall, and thighs. Treatment consisted of radical debridement and antibiotics; hyperbaric oxygen was used in the clostridial cases. Ten of the 16 patients survived. Delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment were the primary factors responsible for death.