Necrotizing fasciitis of genitalia

A review of 12 patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia is presented. All patients had rapidly progressing cellulitis and necrosis of the fascia caused by a combination of various organisms, most frequently by Escherichia coli. Beta streptococcus, which is generally thought to be the causative organism in these cases, was present in only 4 patients. Management consisted of extensive surgical debridement, urinary and/or fecal diversion, antibiotics, and necessary reconstructive procedures.