Fournier's gangrene: a literature review

Introduction: Fournier's Gangrene (FG) is a polymicrobial necrotizing infection that can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is important to raise awareness about early treatment to prevent the high rate of morbidity and mortality. Methods: this is a systematic review that includes concepts and definitions of Fournier's gangrene, studies related to diagnosis, and emphasizes the importance of early treatment. Thorough searches were conducted in major databases such as PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Specific search terms were used, such as "Fournier's gangrene," "debridement," "necrotizing fasciitis," "necrotizing soft tissue infections," and "necrotizing," employing the controlled language MESH in PubMed to ensure precise selection of relevant studies. Results: initially, 176 relevant articles published between 2012 and 2022 were found. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles were selected, of which 13 were considered relevant for this study. The range of participants in the studies varied from 1 to a maximum of 3224 patients, with a total of 5860 patients included in the analysis. It is important to note that in all the studied articles, a decrease in the morbimortality rate was observed compared to the current mortality rate, which ranges from 20 % to 40 %. Conclusion: to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with Fournier's gangrene, early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment, including aggressive surgical debridement, are essential.