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Free surgery for patient with rare gangrene

The disease is a type of flesh eating bacteria that results in significant tissue destruction and ultimately, the death of the patient.

Abu Dhabi - A team of surgeons in Abu Dhabi successfully treated a patient suffering from a rare, life-threatening condition known as Fournier’s gangrene which has been reported in just 2,000 people worldwide.

The disease is a type of necrotising fasciitis (or flesh eating bacteria) that results in significant tissue destruction and ultimately, the death of the patient. When this bacterial infection occurs in the skin of the genital area, it is known as Fournier’s gangrene. Burjeel Hospital, recently diagnosed and treated a case of this rare condition. Forty-one-year old Syrian, Kasem Al Yateem, was rushed to Burjeel Hospital with high fever and pain.

“Kasem was in septic shock, which occurs only in the event of severe infection. We also found discolouration of the skin,” said Dr Matthew Tytherleigh, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

“We diagnosed him with Fournier’s gangrene and immediately placed him in a medically induced coma. We started him on antibiotics and drugs to help his heart and kidneys that were already failing,” explained Dr Amr Ahmed Massoud, Specialist Urologist in the same facility.  The father of four was then rushed to the operation theatre where a team of inter-disciplinary surgeons removed the affected tissue around the groin area. As the infection continued to spread up the abdominal wall, he underwent further surgery. “Kasem’s condition improved dramatically after the surgeries,“ Dr Matthew explained.

After two weeks, he was moved from ICU to a ward.  “In less than a month after his surgery, Kasem recovered and was discharged from the hospital,” explained Dr Nabil Debouni, Medical Director, Burjeel Hospital. “I never thought this would happen to me. I am truly indebted to the doctors and to the management of the hospital for providing this life-saving surgery, free of cost,“ said Kasem.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com