Pattern of presentation and outcome of patients treated for Fournier’s gangrene at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressive and potentially fatal infective necrotizing fasciitis which affects the perineal and perianal regions as well as the external genitalia. This study aimed at evaluating the management of FG and its outcomes at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania

Methods: This was a retrospective hospital based study involving case notes of all patients who had Fournier’s gangrene at KCMC from January 2003 to December 2013. Patients managed for Fournier’s gangrene and the medical records of the patients eligible for the study retrieved manually.

Results: A total of 25case notes of patients treated for Fournier’s gangrene during the study period were reviewed. All were males and majority of them (60%) were ≥50 years (mean=57.4 years). Hypertension was the commonest reported risk factor (41%). Diabetes mellitus was reported as a risk factor in 20% of all patients with FG. These risk factors were mentioned as comorbid conditions in traumatic urethral catheterization and suprapubic catheterization. All patients received a combination treatment of wound debridement, antibiotics, fluid replacement, analgesics and daily wound dressing. The average hospital stay for patients with FG was about 25 days.

Conclusion: Fournier’s gangrene at KCMC is exclusively a male disease affecting those above 50 years. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the common comorbid condition in patients with Fournier’s gangrene.