[Fournier's disease: a report of 9 cases]

Nine cases of Fournier's gangrene diagnosed between 1982 and 1989 are reported. All were males with a mean age of 76 (47-82 years). Seven had a history of alcoholism and one had non insulin-dependent diabetes. Six patients also had an anal fistula which may have been the starting point of the infection. The causal agents were two anaerobes (Clostridium perfringens and Bacteroides fragilis) two gram-negatives (Morganella morgagni and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and one, an unidentified gram-positive. In three patients a mixed intestinal flora was isolated and in another no germs were found. All were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgery. Seven patients survived and two died.