Use of rectal catheter prevents diversion colostomy in a patient with Fournier’s Gangrene

• Published in: Hellenic journal of surgery Vol. 83; no. 4; pp. 235 - 238
• Main Authors: Trygonis, S., Lazaridis, Ch, Apostolou, Ch, Kallimageirou, E., Kasinos, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Springer Vienna 01-08-2011
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Surgery; Colostomy; Surgical Debridement; Rectal Catheter; Fournier’s Gangrene
• ISSN: 0018-0092; 1868-8845
• DOI: 10.1007/s13126-011-0035-0

A 74-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with the clinical symptoms of Fournier’s Gangrene. He was immediately transferred to the OR where aggressive surgical debridement followed. After a week of surgical debridement, a colostomy that would facilitate the healing process was debated but decided against due to the poor physical status of the patient. A rectal catheter (ActiFlo®, Hollister Inc) was inserted in order to divert faeces from the infected area. Three ActiFlo® devices were placed successively in a three-month period, after which the patient was discharged, completely healed and with no consequences to his sphincteric function.