Fournier's gangrene of the scrotum following anorectal disorders.

Five cases of Fournier's gangrene of the scrotum following anorectal disorders were encountered in a period of 2 years. Perirectal abscess was the most common associated underlying condition occurring in three patients. E. coli was the predominant organism cultured in all cases. A chronic debilitating condition was encountered in 3 patients. The mortality rate was 20%, but serious life threatening complications occurred in 4 of our patients. Error in diagnosis and delay in initiating medical treatment were the main causes of the high mortality rate associated with the disease. We advocate thorough rectal examination including proctoscopy in all cases of Fournier's gangrene, especially when no obvious source is apparent.