Long-term cosmetic and functional outcome of surgical treatment for Fournier's gangrene

The study documents the long-term cosmetical and functional sequelae in 12 patients treated for Fournier's gangrene after an average of 5 years follow-up. Only 50 % of the patients were free of pain. In the majority of cases, the sexual function was impaired by penile deviation or penile torsion as well as by a loss of sensitivity of the penile skin or pain during erection. Two patients suffered from temporary stool incontinence. Despite major complaints due to extensive scarring, most (10 of 12) patients considered their cosmetic result as well as their quality of life to be satisfactory.