Abstract

VAC: A MIRACULOUS THERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF FOURNIER’S GANGRENE.

*Dr. Kunal Sadanand Joshi, Dr. Sadanand Balkrishna Joshi, Dr. Asha Sadanand Joshi and Dr. Kanchan Kunal Joshi

Abstract

Introduction: Fournier was the first one to describe an unexplained gangrene over the male genitalia in 1883 after which such a condition is referred to as the Fournier’s gangrene.[1] Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is an acute, rapidly progressive and potentially fatal, infective necrotizing fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions, which commonly affects men, but can also occur in women and children.[2] Despite advanced management mortality is still high and averages 20–30%.[3] Case report: A 55 year old male patient admitted to our hospital with complaints of pain in the scrotal region, high grade fever and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with diabetic ketoacidosis and in septicaemia shock. Fluid resuscitation was done, broad spectrum antibiotics were given and surgical debridement was done. After which regular dressings were done and once the infection had subsided patient was started with VAC Therapy. With this the wound improved drastically and no further surgical debridements were needed. Conclusion: FG is a rare but severe condition with a high morbidity and mortality. Though aggressive multidisciplinary management is mandatory, VAC therapy certainly helps to improve the FG by reducing the need for subsequent debridements, faster recovery, lesser hospital stay and significantly reduces morbidity.

Keywords: Fournier’s gangrene (FG), Diabetes Mellitus, Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) Therapy.