Use of Split-Thickness Skin Grafts and Autologous Skin Cell Suspension in a Case of Extensive Fournier Gangrene

Cureus. 2024 Jun 18;16(6):e62639. doi: 10.7759/cureus.62639. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Fournier gangrene (FG) is a life-threatening necrotizing soft-tissue infection of the perineum and external genitalia, which primarily occurs in obese, diabetic males. The mainstay of treatment is source control via early aggressive surgical excision. Wide surgical excision can result in significant soft tissue defects that can be disfiguring and difficult to close. The most common method of closure is split-thickness skin grafting (STSG). Recently, autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) technology has been used in addition to STSG to provide better wound healing and closure. This patient experienced excellent wound progression, following FG, through the application of ASCS with STSG, despite challenges related to the wounds, anatomical location, comorbidities, size, and the patient's medical history.

Keywords: autologous skin cell suspension; fournier gangrene; marsupialization; necrotizing soft tissue infection (nsti); split thickness skin graft.

Publication types

  • Case Reports