Keyword: Fournier’s Gangrene
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Original Article
Journal of Urology and Andrology Research, 1(1), 2026, juar003
ABSTRACT:
Fournier’s gangrene is an acute necrotizing infection that predominantly affects the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the perianal region and external genitalia. It was first described in 1883 by Jean-Alfred Fournier [1].
Although rare, Fournier’s gangrene represents a serious medical, social, and economic challenge. Its relevance is underscored by the steadily increasing incidence, delayed diagnosis, prolonged hospitalization, high treatment and rehabilitation costs, as well as significant rates of disability and mortality.
The condition most commonly occurs in men of reproductive age with underlying immunodeficiency. More frequently, however, it affects middle-aged and elderly patients with compromised immunity, particularly those with diabetes mellitus, obesity, or chronic alcoholism [2–4]. Nevertheless, cases in women and children have also been reported [4]. Additional predisposing factors include increased scrotal skin moisture, anatomical characteristics of the genital region, and the close proximity of the anal and urethral canals, which create favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic flora [5–7].
In the study by Timerbulatov V. M. et al., the incidence of Fournier’s gangrene has tripled over the past decades [8]. According to epidemiological data, the condition occurs at a frequency of approximately 1.6 cases per 100,000 patients per year [8]. The mean age of patients diagnosed with Fournier’s gangrene is 50.9 years [9, 10]. The disease does not demonstrate seasonal variability [11].
Epidemiological observations indicate a higher incidence in African and Asian countries. However, mortality rates in Europe and the Americas surpass those reported in less developed regions. This discrepancy is most likely associated with the predominance of antibiotic-resistant strains among patients with Fournier’s gangrene [12–14].
Although rare, Fournier’s gangrene represents a serious medical, social, and economic challenge. Its relevance is underscored by the steadily increasing incidence, delayed diagnosis, prolonged hospitalization, high treatment and rehabilitation costs, as well as significant rates of disability and mortality.
The condition most commonly occurs in men of reproductive age with underlying immunodeficiency. More frequently, however, it affects middle-aged and elderly patients with compromised immunity, particularly those with diabetes mellitus, obesity, or chronic alcoholism [2–4]. Nevertheless, cases in women and children have also been reported [4]. Additional predisposing factors include increased scrotal skin moisture, anatomical characteristics of the genital region, and the close proximity of the anal and urethral canals, which create favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic flora [5–7].
In the study by Timerbulatov V. M. et al., the incidence of Fournier’s gangrene has tripled over the past decades [8]. According to epidemiological data, the condition occurs at a frequency of approximately 1.6 cases per 100,000 patients per year [8]. The mean age of patients diagnosed with Fournier’s gangrene is 50.9 years [9, 10]. The disease does not demonstrate seasonal variability [11].
Epidemiological observations indicate a higher incidence in African and Asian countries. However, mortality rates in Europe and the Americas surpass those reported in less developed regions. This discrepancy is most likely associated with the predominance of antibiotic-resistant strains among patients with Fournier’s gangrene [12–14].
