Genital reconstruction for the management of a complex wound in a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing suppurative cutaneous disease affecting skin-bearing apocrine glands and is manifested by abscesses, fistulating sinus tracts, and chronic infection leading to scarring. HS must be noticed early and referred for specialist care as this condition often needs multidisciplinary management. There is usually a delay in the diagnosis of this condition, and in most cases, the severe form of the disease occurs in patients who present late. This is a condition that often requires the care of a wound practitioner, and being aware of this disease may assist in an earlier diagnosis.

In this case report we describe a patient who presented with a severe form of HS, affecting his axilla and perineum. The condition was complicated by the fact that he had a buried penis and extensively diseased scrotal skin, which was compounded by perianal disease. This case also describes the management of the disease as well as that of the buried penis and scrotal reconstruction.