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Fournier’s gangrene is a disease that causes a lot of fear among men, mainly due to its poorly aesthetic appearance. In addition, skin lesions cause an unpleasant odor and can develop in a dangerous way, so treatment should be started immediately. Before that, however, it is worth learning a little more about Fournier’s gangrene and getting to know the accompanying diseases.
Fournier’s gangrene – causes
Fournier’s gangrene is called necrotizing fasciitis. Skin changes are observed within the male genital organs, and can also reach the anus and abdominal cavity. Fournier’s gangrene can lead to sepsis, kidney failure, acute respiratory failure, which can even be fatal. Therefore, it is not worth underestimating the disease and its symptoms, but ensuring the fastest possible diagnosis and effective treatment.
Fournier’s gangrene is a relatively severe, bacterial urological disease that requires radical measures. Most often it is necessary to intensively combat shock and to excise necrotic tissues during surgical intervention.
The pathogenesis of Fournier’s gangrene is related to the microbial flora. It is a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic compounds. Vascular thrombosis and tissue necrosis are also characteristic of this disease. It is the aerobic bacteria that are responsible for the development of the disease, as they attack the intravascular coagulation cascade. As a result of this process, aggregation of platelets and the complement system occurs, while anaerobic bacteria produce heparinases. Vascular thrombosis causes tissue necrosis. This leads to the multiplication of anaerobic bacteria, which reduces the possibility of local cleansing of toxins.
Fournier’s gangrene – symptoms
Fournier’s gangrene is most often manifested by a large and disturbing swelling, as well as reddening of the skin covered by Fournier’s gangrene. Additional symptoms are:
- fever,
- chills,
- general feeling of being unwell.
Fournier’s gangrene can also be diagnosed with symptoms visible on the skin. As the disease progresses, blisters appear on the external genitalia of men, i.e. the penis and scrotum. These blisters are often a source of anxiety for patients because they are painful and filled with a yellow-brown fluid.
Also read: An article about gangrene
Fournier’s gangrene – treatment
We drew attention to the fact that in the case of Fournier’s gangrene, immediate surgical intervention is necessary. The specialist’s priority is usually to administer antibiotics and to remove and drain pus. Of course, you should also take care of the appropriate dressing and careful observation of the treatment process, as sometimes a protective colostomy is necessary.
Unfortunately, the testis or penis amputation is also an alternative procedure, which is why it is so important to react quickly to all disturbing symptoms. Then the inflammation will not progress to an extremely disturbing stage, and prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention will most likely save the male sexual organs.
One of the methods of treatment of Fournier’s gangrene is also negative pressure therapy and treatment of the patient with the use of hyperbaric oxygen. Such proven solutions significantly reduce the mortality rate, thanks to which patients can completely heal skin lesions and enjoy good health and well-being.
It is also possible to heal the wound caused by the disease locally. Treatment of Fournier’s gangrene can be done with the help of special vacuum dressings. Their task is to remove necrotic tissues and significantly slow down the development of the disease. Then the growth of bacteria is inhibited, and the wound itself looks much better as the swelling and redness are reduced.
The behavior of the patient and the attending physician after the surgery, i.e. during the convalescence period, is also important. It must be ensured that the wound resulting from the surgical intervention is inspected daily. Then you can quickly react to any disturbing changes and implement further treatment decisions.
The editorial board recommends: Find out more about skin conditions
Fournier’s gangrene – what diseases accompany it?
Fournier’s gangrene is especially likely in people who struggle with comorbidities.
The following conditions may be risk factors for inflammatory diseases of the scrotum:
- diabetes,
- obesity,
- alcoholism. It is also important to be aware of how serious the other effects of alcoholism can be.
- drug addiction,
- immunopresja.
Among the diseases listed, it is diabetes that is the most serious and statistically most common factor. For this reason, people who struggle with it must be especially careful and react quickly to any disturbing changes.
Check also: Information about birch water, which stands out for its anti-inflammatory properties
Fournier’s gangrene is also associated with a number of etiological factors, which include:
- bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family,
- anaerobic bacteria
- streptococci,
- staphylococcus.
Read: More about bacteria