Fournier’s gangrene is an aggressive bacterial infection that affects the male genitalia. It often entails a long recovery period, particularly if a large area of tissue has become necrotic.
What is Fournier’s Gangrene?
Fournier’s Gangrene is a specific type of necrotising fasciitis, a rare bacterial infection that causes the soft tissue and underlying fascia to break down. Fournier’s Gangrene is when necrotising fasciitis appears in the male genital region, including the penis, testicles, scrotum and perineum.
Fournier’s Gangrene happens when a certain type of bacteria get into the body’s soft tissue through a break in the skin. This break can be so small that the individual in question is not even aware of it. Once inside the body the bacteria multiply, releasing a poisonous toxin as they do so. This toxin causes the tissue to break down and become necrotic.
The bacteria reproduce at a rapid rate, quickly causing the area of necrotic tissue to grow. Because of this, it is vital that treatment is given without delay. Otherwise a patient will suffer significant tissue necrosis, all of which will need to be surgically removed.
Recovering from Fournier’s Gangrene
Recovering from Fournier’s Gangrene therefore depends upon how quickly treatment was provided. If a diagnosis was made shortly after the onset of symptoms, a patient should escape the need for extensive debridement. Some surgery will still be needed and a patient will feel very unwell. However, a recovery should be made within weeks.
But if treatment is delayed, serious complications will ensue. There will be a large area of necrotic tissue which will need to be excised. This can leave a gaping hole and may compromise function in the genital area, resulting in problems such as erectile dysfunction and urinary dysfunction. The infection may also spread to the bloodstream, potentially leading to organ failure.
If a patient with Fournier’s Gangrene develops the complications described above, their recovery will be slow. Most will spend weeks, if not months, in hospital. In order to close the open wound, it may be necessary to undergo reconstructive surgery and/or have a VAC machine applied. It is possible that a patient will never make a full recovery, as he may require the long-term use of a catheter.
Claiming for Fournier’s Gangrene
If you have suffered injury because medical professionals failed to diagnose and treat Fournier’s Gangrene in a timely fashion, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for damages. To find out more, please get in touch with us today.
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