[Fournier's gangrene. Experiences and changes in the disease picture since its initial description]

Fournier's disease mostly occurs in immunosuppressed men in the 5th to 7th decade of life. Bacteria from the urogenital or colorectal tract lead to a rapid spreading soft tissue infection. Painful scrotal or perineal swelling and a black spot as a sign of beginning necrosis are guiding symptoms. Involved bacteria are grampositive cocci, enterobacteriaceae and anaerobes. Main principles of therapy are immediate radical debridement and broad spectrum antibiotics. Sepsis renders the prognosis more infaust.