Le Fouler A, et al. - Researchers attempted to illustrate the long-term anal and urinary sphincter dysfunctions, sexual sequelae, and patients’ quality of life following the treatment of perineal gangrene (PG). A high rate of anal and urinary dysfunctions was brought to light due to PG. Findings recommended the consideration and treatment of urinary dysfunctions. Nevertheless, anal incontinence was not assessed even though it could give rise to a decreased quality of life.

Methods

• The plot of this research was a retrospective observational study.
• It was performed in 1 university hospital over 16 years.
• Herein, 73 patients experienced PG; 22 were subjected to long-term follow-up.
• In order to gauge the pelvic dysfunction and quality of life, 3 questionnaires were sent to patients: The GIQLI, the Cleveland Incontinence Score, and the USP score for urinary dysfunction.
• Sexual sequelae were taken into account if orchiectomy or penile resection for male patients and vulvar resection for female patients were carried out.

Results

• Among the 72 candidates, death was reported in 7 subjects before discharge (9.7%) and at least 14 died during follow-up (19.4%), regardless of a mean age of 62 years (± 13).
• Among the survivors, an alteration of their quality of life (44%) (GIQLI < 96) was reported in 7 patients.
• As per the findings, 6 patients still had a colostomy, and among the remaining patients, 11 presented with minimal to mild incontinence (68.7%).
• On the other hand, 1 candidate had constipation (6.2%).
• Urinary incontinence (4.5%) was noted in 1 patient and 6 candidates suffered from dysuria (27.3%).
• Findings displayed that 3 male patients (14%) underwent an orchiectomy, and 1 female patient (100%) underwent a vulvar resection.