Fournier's gangrene

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Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's gangrene is a serious, life-threatening infection of the male genital area. The infection usually starts in the skin of the genitals (penis or scrotum), the urethra, or the rectal area.

There are several conditions that may lead to this infection. Frequently an injury or burn to the area occurred before the infection. Genital surgery, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or a problem with the urethra also may precede this infection. Men with certain conditions are at higher risk for developing Fournier's gangrene. These conditions include:

Being older than age 50.
Having diabetes.
Having a suppressed immune system.

Symptoms include:

Swelling and redness.
Tissue that looks deeply bruised but is actually dead (necrotic).
Drainage of pus with a bad odor.
Pain.
Fever.
Pain with urination.
Difficulty passing urine.
Possible shock.

This infection is a medical emergency. It is treated with antibiotics, and surgery is usually needed to remove dead (necrotic) tissue.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Last Updated	March 29, 2007

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Last updated:	March 29, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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