Fournier’s gangrene caused by penetration of a rectal cancer followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Fournier’s gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the genital and perineal region. It may progress, affecting the groin, the thigh, or even the abdominal wall. Despite adequate treatment (debridement and antibiotics), the mortality rate is very high, reaching 20–35%. Fournier’s gangrene caused by penetration of a rectal cancer followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy is very rare. We report this case with a review of the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man visited the emergency room due to perineal pain during which he accepted the chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Abdominal CT scan showed extensive emphysema in the scrotum and gluteus maximus muscle. We diagnosed as Fournier’s gangrene caused by penetration of a rectal cancer. We performed debridement, left orchiectomy, transverse colostomy with double orifices. Post-operative day 30, we performed abdominoperineal resection. We performed CapeOX therapy eight courses as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient had no recurrence for 1 year and 2 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Going forward, knowledge gained from this case will increase the opportunity to perform neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. In medical treatment, we must put the possibility of Fournier’s gangrene in mind and treat as soon as possible.