[Fournier's gangrene: early diagnosis is the best remedy].

Despite the broadening knowledge about Fournier's gangrene, its mortality rate is still considered very high. The authors describe the etiology, pathomechanism, the possible pathways of progression, and the causes and predisposing factors of the disease. Besides the traditional--surgical and antibiotic--therapy, complementary ways of treatment are described. Between 1994 and 2000, ten patients were treated for Fournier's gangrene in our department. We present our experience, the early signs and the way clinical symptoms develop. It is important to observe the early severe general condition and initially minimal local changes for early diagnosis in improved survival.