Treatment and complications of Fournier's gangrene.

Ten patients with Fournier's gangrene were seen over an 11-month period; 3 had indwelling urethral catheters, 3 had preceding perineal infection and 6 had a history of alcohol abuse. An average of 2.1 operations was required per patient and the average hospital stay was 41 days. The mortality rate was 20%; 7 patients developed acute renal failure and 5 developed adult respiratory distress syndrome. Early treatment of these complications should help to reduce the mortality of this disease.