Key Research Findings

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a serious and rapidly progressing necrotizing infection of the skin and fascia that can affect the external genitals, perineum, anus, and abdomen. 3 FG can extend to the abdominal cavity and result in necrosis of the soft tissue with a high mortality rate. 3 The disease is particularly problematic in resource-limited settings. 4 This condition requires immediate medical attention, and the mortality rate is still high at 20%-30%. 11

The treatment of FG typically involves aggressive surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation. 20 Other treatment options include negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and colostomy. 14 , 7 , 13 , 16 , 22 Effective management of FG necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, with a team of specialists including surgeons, resuscitators, radiologists, cardiologists, coloproctologists, urologists, and microbiologists. 12

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can help to identify the bacteria responsible for infections like FG quickly and accurately. 9

Patients with underlying conditions like diabetes have an increased risk of FG. 20 , 21

FG is more common in men, especially those over 50 years old. 11

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for successful management of FG. 20 , 11

Treatment Summary

Treatment for FG involves aggressive surgical debridement and the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics. 20 Other treatment options may include negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and colostomy. 14 , 7 , 13 , 16 , 22 Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for managing FG. 12

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Appropriate treatment for FG can improve survival rates and help prevent complications.

Risks Summary

Treatment for FG carries risks such as bleeding and infection associated with surgical debridement. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may cause side effects like ear and eye pain.

Comparison Between Studies

Similarities

Many studies emphasize the importance of surgical debridement in the treatment of FG. 20 , 14 , 16 Most studies also indicate that patients with underlying conditions like diabetes have an increased risk of FG. 20 , 21

Differences

Various treatment options exist for FG, including negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and colostomy. 14 , 7 , 13 , 16 , 22 Different studies may reach different conclusions regarding the effectiveness and suitability of these treatments.

Consistency and Contradictions in Findings

Research on the treatment of FG is still limited. Inconsistency in findings and contradictions between studies may exist.

Practical Implications

The treatment of FG should be tailored to the individual patient's condition. 20 , 14 Consulting with experienced healthcare professionals is essential for treatment decisions.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the treatment of FG is often limited by small sample sizes and a lack of long-term follow-up studies. 20 , 11 More extensive and long-term studies are required to effectively assess the efficacy of different FG treatment options.

Future Research Directions

Further research is necessary for developing new treatment options for FG. Large-scale, long-term clinical trials are crucial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new therapies. 11 Basic research into the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of FG is also essential.

Conclusion

FG is a serious infection with a high mortality rate, but appropriate treatment can improve survival rates and prevent complications. 20 , 14 Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing FG. 20 , 11 Further research is necessary to develop new and improved treatment options for FG.

Treatment List

Surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, colostomy.