İsmail BAĞLAR, Fatih ŞANLIKAN, Mustafa MARAŞLI, Tamer TOPALOĞLU, Bahadır Alper SARGIN, Önder ALTIN, Hatice Merve ÜÇÜNCÜOĞLU, Ceren ÖZÇELİK GÜLCAN
Pelviperineology - 2026;45(1):16-21
Objective: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal and genital regions with a high mortality rate. Although it is less common in women than in men, serious cases are reported. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment processes, and outcomes of female patients diagnosed with FG in our center and to compare them with the existing literature. Materials and Methods: Thirteen female patients diagnosed with FG between January 2010 and December 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, sources of infection, laboratory parameters, surgical interventions, and clinical outcomes were recorded. All patients underwent emergency surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60 years, and the most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (46.2%). The most frequent source of infection was perianal abscess (38.5%). The mean laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score was 8.1. More than half of the patients (53.8%) required multiple debridements, 30.7% underwent fecal diversion, and 46.1% required intensive care. One patient (7.6%) died due to severe sepsis and multiorgan failure. Conclusion: FG in females, although rare, represents a life-threatening condition with high mortality. Early diagnosis, prompt initiation of treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach are critical determinants of survival. Careful evaluation of perineal infections in women with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and obesity can be lifesaving.
