title: Minor amputations on the feet after revascularization for gangrene. A consecutive series of 95 limbs.
abstract: A consecutive series of 89 patients (95 limbs) with gangrene were operated on with amputation of toes or some distal part of the foot after arterial reconstruction. 43 patients had diabetes. Healing was achieved in 81/82 feet when the reconstruction was open. Amputation below or above the knee was required in 4/5 limbs when the reconstruction failed. 8 patients died before healing. The median time to healing was 30 (17-452) days, after a single amputation, and 115 (36-466) days, when more than one procedure had been necessary. We concluded that amputations on the feet for gangrene usually heal after arterial reconstruction, in patients with diabetes as well as in those with arteriosclerosis. No weight bearing and control of infection are important during the early postoperative period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery L, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copanhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Albrektsen
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Henriksen
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Holstein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D017130:Angioplasty / Q000379:methods*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D005734:Gangrene / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D014945:Wound Healing