Favorable Safety Outcomes of Delayed Primary Closure of Large Fournier's Gangrene Skin Defects

To assess the feasibility and safety of delayed primary closure (DPC) in Fournier's gangrene (FG) patients with large genital defects.

A single institution retrospective review was performed from October 2020 to December 2022 of adult males that underwent DPC for FG. All patients underwent standard medical management and were assessed for DPC eligibility by the urology service. Clinical data on patient factors and outcomes were collected, and descriptive statistics were assessed.

Of 16 patients that underwent DPC, the average age was 61.1years and body mass index was 34.6 kg/m². Median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3.5 (IQR 2-5.3) and Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index was 6.5 (IQR 4.8-8). Median number of debridements was 2.5 (IQR 2-3), with a time to closure of 6.5days (IQR 3-11) and length of stay of 13days (IQR 9-16.3). Mean genital defect size was 119 cm² (range 44-346 cm²). Eight patients (50%) were closed using scrotal flaps alone while other patients had advancement flaps using the inner thigh, lower abdomen, and perineum. The majority of patients were discharged home directly (63%). There were four Clavien-Dindo III complications: two partial flap necrosis, one wound dehiscence, and one instance of bleeding. Of patients with follow-up, 6/15 (40.0%) had no known complications.

DPC is safe and effective for a range of patients presenting with FG. Patients with large defects may benefit from less complex wound management and direct discharge home.