Gangrene of male external genitalia in a patient with colorectal disease. Anatomic pathways of spread

This is the report of a patient with gangrene of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the scrotum and base of the penis secondary to diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. Due to high mortality in such patients, the early, rapid, and radical debridement of all devitalized tissues and prompt recognition of the source of sepsis is of utmost importance. Computed tomography (CT) scanning facilitates delineating the extent of disease. Anatomy of the perineal body and pathways of spread are discussed.