Fournier’s Gangrene following coronary artery bypass surgery: Should extracorporeal circulation be blamed?

Year 2015, Volume: 1 Issue: 3, 81 - 85, 01.07.2015

Sefer Usta Hamit Serdar Basbug

https://doi.org/10.5455/umj.20150827014934

Abstract

Background: Fournier’s gangrene is a rare infection with high morbidity and mortality caused by the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that affects the superficial tissues. It is a kind of necrotizing infection which is characterized by the necrotizing forms of cellulitis, myositis, and fasciitis. These infections are presented clinically by fulminant tissue destruction, systemic signs of toxicity, and even sepsis. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment must include early surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy. Aggressive debridement, appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and combined enteral and parenteral nutrition are applied for the treatment. Fournier’s gangrene is rarely seen after extensive surgical operations, and if untreated it may increase the surgical mortality. Conclusion: In this article, diagnosis and the treatment of a case with a Fournier’s gangrene that developed after coronary bypass surgery and its etiological relationship with the extracorporeal circulation were discussed.

Keywords

Fournier’s gangrene, coronary artery bypass, extracorporeal circulation, therapy

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