Local drainage for Fournier's gangrene developed in palliative care unit provided pain relief in a terminally ill patient with bladder cancer

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the case of a man in his 70's with local advanced bladder cancer with hospital-developed Fournier's gangrene. The patient was hospitalized at the palliative care unit, and drainage with incision of the scrotum for symptom relief was performed to relieve severe pain. The patient experienced pain only during changing of the wound's dressing and no pain at rest after the operation. Furthermore, he reached his birthday and spent time in peace with his family. Fournier's gangrene is the necrotizing fasciitis of perineal and anal lesions, in which inflammation progresses rapidly in wide lesions, and it is associated with a high mortality rate. For Fournier's gangrene in a terminally ill patient, current agreement might depend on the patient's goal of treatment. The drainage provided for spiritual care of the patient and his family as well as pain relief. In conclusion, local drainage for Fournier's gangrene can be feasible as a choice of palliative treatment. Palliat Care Res 2011; 6(2) 340-343