NECROTIZING FASCIITIS OF THE PERINEUM

Overview and Facts

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum is an uncommon, potentially fatal bacterial illness around your rectum and genitals. It is a severe infection that demands immediate medical attention. When your perineum is swollen, sensitive, or red, and you have a temperature of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or feel poorly, head to the emergency room immediately.

In addition, the soft tissues of your penis and scrotum are affected by necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum. In extreme situations, the bacterial infection spreads to the chest, stomach, and thighs, damaging the arteries, nerves, and muscles. Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum is a potentially fatal condition. However, this condition is extremely rare, and preventative measures and treatments are available.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

The following are the initial signs of necrotizing fasciitis:

  • Swollen genital 
  • Red genitals
  • Tender genitals 

Later signs that accompany or follow early perineum symptoms include:

  • Sepsis
  • Putrid odor
  • Pain (from moderate to severe, beginning in the abdomen)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Inflammation
  • Fever and chills
  • Dehydration
  • Alterations in brain activity

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

The symptoms you are experiencing will be evaluated, and your skin will be examined. Whenever there is time, they will most likely request certain imaging tests, such as:

  • A CT scan is used to detect fluids and gasses in your body and pinpoint the illness’s cause.
  • An ultrasound will determine if the condition is necrotizing fasciitis or a comparable ailment such as orchitis or epididymitis. It also examines the soft tissues for air.
  • An X-ray determines how much damage has been transmitted to the soft tissues.
  • Lactate, a CMP, and a CBC test with differential are performed to screen for arterial blood gas, septic shock, electrolyte irregularities, and an increased white blood count.

There is usually insufficient time for exams. When the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum has advanced to a critical level, immediate surgery may be required.

TREATMENT

  • The most effective therapy for necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum is surgery. It’s occasionally essential to bypass the diagnosis phase and eliminate affected tissues from your body. 
  • Following surgery, your doctor will most likely recommend broad-spectrum antibiotics. When you have sepsis, you will be given extra drugs to reduce the danger of blood clots.
  • Reconstructive surgery will also be performed on you. Reconstructive surgery restores your perineum to its pre-necrotizing fasciitis state.
  • You may attempt hyperbaric oxygen treatment, wherein in a pressurized chamber, you breathe pure oxygen.

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