Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Fournier gangrene physical examination
Introduction
Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[1]; Jesus Rosario Hernandez, M.D. [2]
Overview
Overview
In the physical examination of Fournier gangrene, the patients with Fournier gangrene usually appear to be ill. *Tachycardia and hypotension are mostly present and the skin may show evidence of trauma, surgery, insect or human bites, or injection sites. Ppalpation of genitalia and perineum, and digital rectal examination may reveal induration, eryhthema, swelling, erythema with ill defined margins, blistering/bullae, skin discoloration, foul discharge (greyish or brown discharge), and fluctuance
Physical examination
Physical examination
The physical examination of Fournier gangrene include:
Appearance of the Patient
The patients with Fournier gangrene usually appear to be ill.
Vitals
- Fever (is often absent)
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Tachypnea
Skin
- Jaundice
- Evidence of trauma, surgery, insect or human bites, or injection sites
Local examination
Local examination of patient under local anesthesia includes palpation of genitalia and perineum, and digital rectal examination.
- Induration
- Warmth
- Tenderness beyond margins of erythema
- Swelling
- Erythema with ill defined margins
- Blistering/bullae
- Skin discoloration
- Foul discharge (greyish or brown discharge)
- Fluctuance
- Crepitus
- Skin sloughing or necrosis
- Absence of lymphangitis or lymphadenopathy (lymphangitis is rarely seen in Fournier gangrene)
- Sensory and motor deficits (e.g. localized anesthesia)