The clinical characteristics of female patients with Fournier's gangrene.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to review our experience with Fournier's gangrene in female patients.

METHODS: A retrospective review of ten consecutive female patients with Fournier's gangrene was performed. Etiological and predisposing factors, causative microbiological organisms, and clinical outcome were investigated.

RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 52.7 years, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 17.6 days. The etiologic origin of the gangrene was anorectal, dermatological, and urogenital infection in 50%, 20%, and 10% of patients, respectively. All patients underwent aggressive surgical debridement and a diverting colostomy. Nine patients survived, and one patient died for an overall mortality rate of 10%.

CONCLUSIONS: Fournier's gangrene occurred in females with a pattern similar to that in males. We believe that a colostomy is an integral part of management for patients requiring extensive debridement, especially if the infection arises in the anorectal region.