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Fournier’s gangrene is a very rare condition; less than 2000 cases have ever been reported in the world literature. The disease is a type of necrotizing fasciitis (or flesh eating bacteria) that results in significant tissue destruction and ultimately, the death of the patient. When this bacterial infection occurs in the skin of the genital area, it is known as Fournier’s gangrene. Abu Dhabi’s leading healthcare institution, Burjeel Hospital, recently diagnosed and treated a case of this rare condition.
Forty-one year old Syrian, Mr. Kasem Al Yateem, was rushed to the Emergency Room of Burjeel Hospital because of a high fever and pain between his legs that left him unable to stand.
“Mr. Kasem was in septic shock, which occurs only in the event of severe infection. We also found discoloration of the skin in the groin, on the scrotum, and around the anus,” said Dr. Matthew Tytherleigh, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi. “We diagnosed him with Fournier’s gangrene and immediately placed him in a medically induced coma. We started him on antibiotics and drugs to help his heart and kidneys that were already failing,” explained Dr. Amr Ahmed Massoud, Specialist Urologist in the same facility.
The father of 4 was then rushed to the operating theater where a team of inter-disciplinary surgeons removed the affected tissue around the groin area. As the infection continued to spread up the abdominal wall, he underwent further surgery the following day, requiring the excision of more skin and tissue.
“Mr. Kasem’s condition improved dramatically after the surgeries. In a few days, his dressings were changed and a colostomy, where the bowel empties into a special plastic bag on the abdominal wall, was created,“ Dr. Matthew explained. “This was necessary to ensure that the wounds around his bottom were kept clean.”
Five days later, he was taken out of the coma. After 2 weeks, he was moved from ICU to a ward. Mr. Kasem had special vacuum dressings on his wounds to promote quick healing.
“Burjeel Hospital’s first and foremost priority is the wellbeing of the community. Every day, we commit ourselves to deliver the best possible healthcare to the residents of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the region. We look beyond medical excellence. We provide compassionate, personalized care to every Guest,” said Mr. Clancey Po, the CEO of Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi.
“Due to the severity of his condition, Mr. Kasem’s family was about to give up and take him home without treatment. After signing for leave against medical advice, we encouraged his family to allow our team of world-renowned, international experts to take this critical case and open doors to save his life. In less than a month after his surgery, Mr. Kasem recovered and was discharged home,” explained Dr. Nabil Debouni, Medical Director, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi.
“I never thought this would happen to me. I am truly indebted to the doctors and to the Management of the hospital for providing this life-saving surgery, free of cost,“ said Mr. Kasem. “Burjeel Hospital has done everything to ensure that I get the best medical treatment amidst our financial conditions. Our family would not have been able to afford the cost of the surgery and treatment, but Burjeel Hospital’s proactive response and support helped saved my life.”
“We are forever thankful to the management and doctors of Burjeel Hospital for giving us hope. Without their medical advice and expertise, sincere encouragement, and concern, my husband will not be here with our family today – healthy and happy,” said Mr. Kasem’s wife.
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