Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's gangrene or synergistic gengrene of scrotum and penis is a relatively rare but serious condition which can occur in any general or hospital practice. Early diagnosis with prompt aggressive treatment including antibiotics and surgical debridement are necessary to achieve patient survival. We report our clinical experience with three cases which occurred in three different hospitals in the Irish Republic. In two of these cases diabetes mellitus was an important predisposing factor. All three patients underwent surgery as well as antibiotic treatment in spite of which one patient failed to survive.