International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Pages 48-54, June 2008

Fournier's Gangrene in Elderly Patients

  • Ssu-Ming Huang

      Affiliations

    • Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Hsien Hsu

      Affiliations

    • Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr Hsi-Hsien Hsu, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 92, Section 2, Chung-San North Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Accepted 15 March 2008.

Summary 

The population of elderly individuals is growing at an accelerating rate in Taiwan, similar to other industrialized countries in the world. More elderly people are being treated in hospital. The clinical characteristics of Fournier's gangrene in the elderly (atypical symptoms) differ substantially compared with younger patients (typical symptoms), and the severity is strongly associated with increased age and age-related comorbidities. Underlying comorbid conditions have to be treated concurrently for overall effective management. Early recognition and prompt management are crucial for elderly patients succumbing to Fournier's gangrene. Surgical debridement has remained the cornerstone of treatment in current clinical practice.

Key Words:  aging , necrotizing fasciitis

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PII: S1873-9598(08)70010-3

doi:10.1016/S1873-9598(08)70010-3

International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Pages 48-54, June 2008

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