Abstract
A 70-year-old male was urgently transported to our hospital owing to swelling and pain around the anus and scrotum. Immediately after incision and drainage of the scrotum, a large amount of odorous gas was discharged. At the time of sample submission, the doctor in charge suspected Fournier’s gangrene and infection by a mixture of anaerobic bacteria, and he requested for an immediate start of anaerobic culture. Immediate perineal debridement was performed without waiting for the culture results. Bacteroides fragilis was detected in scrotal secretions and blood samples. ICU management was performed owing to sepsis, but swift and appropriate antibiotics administration and temporary colostomy, second debridement, and skin grafting on the defect were also performed. He was completely cured in three months. Prompt information provision is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and close information collaboration among doctors is important. Furthermore, if the presence or absence of anaerobic bacteria can be determined from Gram staining results, it can contribute to empirical treatment. When Fournier’s gangrene is suspected, poor prognosis is expected if there is a delayed response; thus, it is extremely important for doctors to closely cooperate with regard to medical treatments and to perform Gram staining at an early stage to determine the causative bacterium.
