Fournier's Gangrene: Conventional Dressings versus Dressings with Dakin's Solution

Abstract

Purpose. Fournier’s gangrene is a fulminant and destructive inflammation of the scrotum, penis, and perineum. The objective of this study was to compare 2 different approaches to wound management after aggressive surgical debridement. Methods. Data from 14 patients with Fournier’s gangrene were retrospectively collected (2005–2011). Once the patients were stabilized following surgery, they were treated with either daily antiseptic (povidone iodine) dressings (group I, n=6) or dressings with dakin’s solution (sodium hypochloride) (group II, n=8). Results. The mean age of the patients was 68.2 ± 7.8 (55–75) years in group I and 66.9 ± 10.2 (51–79) years in group II. Length of hospital stay was 13 ± 3.5 (7–16) days in group I and 8.9 ± 3.0 (4–12) days in group II (P<0.05). The number and rate of mortality was 1/6 (16.7%) in group I, and 1/8 (12.5%) in group II. Conclusions. The hospitalization time can be reduced with the use of dakin’s solution for the dressings in the treatment of FG. Also, dressings with dakin’s solution seems to have favorable effects on morbidity and mortality. Consequently dakin’s solution may alter the treatment of this disastrous disease by reducing cost, morbidity and mortality.