[Synergistic necrotizing fasciitis of genitalia and perineum. Our experience]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Pathology
• Urology

Context:

• Necrotizing fasciitis affecting the genitalia and perineum is a rare but life-threatening condition.
• This study reviews 9 cases treated over a 5-year period, analyzing patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes.
• Existing literature on the terminology and management of this specific condition is also discussed.

Purpose:

• To present a series of 9 cases of synergistic genitalia and perineum necrotizing fasciitis.
• To review the terminology and characteristics of the disease in light of current literature.
• To analyze patient data, including age, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, liver disease), initial septic focus, causative microorganisms, and mortality.

Summary:

• Nine patients with synergistic genitalia and perineum necrotizing fasciitis were treated, with a mean age of 65.
• Common comorbidities included diabetes mellitus and alcoholic liver disease.
• Aerobe-anaerobe bacterial associations were the most frequent culprits, with urological issues like urethral stricture noted as a septic focus in some cases.
• The overall mortality rate in this series was 11%.

Impact:

• Highlights the severity and high mortality associated with necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia and perineum.
• Emphasizes the importance of identifying potential septic foci, including urological origins.
• Underscores the role of polymicrobial infections, particularly aerobe-anaerobe associations, in the pathogenesis.
• Provides valuable clinical data for understanding and managing this critical surgical emergency.