If you have been told that you have Fournier’s Gangrene, you may be wondering what it is and what has caused it?
Fournier’s gangrene and necrotising fasciitis
Fournier’s Gangrene is a version of necrotising fasciitis, a necrotising soft-tissue infection. Whereas necrotising fasciitis can affect the limbs as well as the abdominal area, fournier’s gangrene affects the region between the legs. This can include the genitals, the region around the anus and the area between the legs – the perineal area.
Like necrotising fasciitis, it is usually caused when bacteria normally outside the body reaches the deep soft tissue and starts to destroy the affected cells. Bacteria can enter the body through any form of wound or cut.
Treating fournier’s gangrene
The speed of development of fournier’s gangrene can be dramatic and can lead to severe damage of the affected area.
In order to stop the infection, it will be necessary to remove all affected tissue surgically. If the infection is advanced, this may involve the removal of significant areas of the buttocks, perineum and genitals.
The destruction of tissue in this area and the associated necessary surgical debridement may impact on the functioning of the bowel and bladder and may require the patient to have a colostomy or catheter in order to remove urine and faeces.
Symptoms of fournier’s gangrene
If you are developing fournier’s gangrene, or necrotising fasciitis, you have probably received a cut to the skin around the anal, perineal or genital area.
It is possible, however, that it has developed as an effect of an internal disorder such as diverticulitis or bowel cancer.
You are likely to be feeling tenderness, swelling and pain in that region and you may be starting to feel unwell with tiredness, nausea and a temperature.
You are more likely to develop fournier’s gangrene if you are elderly or already have a weakened immune system.
It is usually associated with men but can occur in women too.
The progress of fournier’s gangrene
Untreated, the infection will continue to spread at an alarming rate. Along with the destruction of tissue, your major organs are likely to struggle to function and may lead to multiple organ failure. This is life-threatening.
Urgent diagnosis and treatment of this illness is vital to preserve the life and as much of the physical functioning and well-being of the patient as possible.
A delay in treatment can lead to destructive debridement of tissue and may result in the loss of genital organs.
Medical negligence
If symptoms of fournier’s gangrene or necrotising fasciitis are ignored or misdiagnosed, the patient may have been a victim of medical negligence.
If you or a loved one have suffered the significant long-term impact of this shocking condition, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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