Isolated gangrene of the penis in a paraplegic patient secondary to a condom catheter.

Isolated gangrene of the penis is rare. Our case was unusual in that gangrene developed due to continuous tourniquet effect on the penis caused by a condom catheter. Also, men with paraplegia appear to have a greater incidence of bacterial colonisation of genital skin as compared to neurologically normal controls. Early therapy is the key, including debridement of entire shaft of the penis distal to the devasted area, parenteral broad-spectrum antibiotics, repeated antiseptic dressings and skin grafting. Early diagnosis by a strong index of suspicion ensures a favourable outcome. Since gangrene of the penis is an irreversible process, this case highlights the importance of proper care and routine maintenance of condom catheters in preventing this complication. Despite extensive search of the literature, I have been able to find only few such cases.