[Fournier's gangrene].

Objectives: We report a retrospective review of the case series of Fournier's gangrene treated in our department from November 1996 to October 2004.

Methods/results: We studied nine male patients with ages between 21 and 85 years (mean 55 years). 66% of the patients had associated risk factors, and the underlying cause was identified in 56% of the cases. Mean hospital stay was 21 days and two of the patients died from the disease.

Conclusions: Fournier's gangrene is an infection with a very fast evolution, producing necrotizing fascitis of the external genitalia and perineum. It has a high mortality rate, mainly if diagnosis and treatment are deferred. This last includes wide spectrum antibiotic coverage, surgical treatment with debridement and drainage, and, in many cases, a second surgical intervention for reconstructive plasties.