Gangrene is the result of severely impaired blood flow to part of the body. In some cases, the affected part of the body must be surgically removed to prevent further medical problems. Amputation is a last-resort treatment for gangrene, but it can be life-saving. Most amputations are performed on the toe, foot, arm or leg.
Gangrene
Gangrene is caused by blood flow being disrupted to an area of tissue, reports the Mayo Clinic. Blood flow is essential for tissue survival, because it allows replenishment of oxygen in the tissue's cells, which is needed for them to produce enough energy to stay alive. When blood flow is disrupted for a significant period of time, tissue death results. Gangrene can result in large sections of dying tissue. Gangrene is most often caused by atherosclerosis or other types of blood vessel damage, but it can also result from certain kinds of bacterial infections.
Amputation
Amputation is considered to be a last resort for treatment of gangrene, Vascular Web notes. Amputation involves the surgical removal of any tissue that is damaged beyond repair. Dead tissue can cause pain and is easily infected by bacteria. In addition, gangrene caused by bacterial infections can spread throughout the body, leading to sepsis. The purpose of amputation is to prevent the complications that can arise from gangrene.
Planning
For an amputation, the surgeon will aim to remove all the dead tissue while leaving behind as much healthy tissue as possible, according to Vascular Web. Deciding where the incision should be made is an essential step, because if some dead tissue is left behind, the wound made from amputation will not heal properly. The surgeon may check for a pulse near the injury site. The surgeon will also check the temperature of the tissue around the incision site and compare it to healthy tissue. It is also important to avoid cutting into skin that is red and inflamed, as this makes healing difficult.
Complications
Patients with other health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes, are more likely to experience complications after amputation due to gangrene. A contracture, which is a joint deformity, can occur after the operation. Death of the skin flaps, infection, poor wound healing and a hematoma are also potential post-surgical complications. These problems, however, can be treated surgically.
Recovery
During the first few weeks after the operation, some pain is expected, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand explains, which can be relieved using medications. After the wound has healed, physical therapy is often utilized to help keep the remaining tissue strong and to maintain range of motion. Prosthetic devices can be used to help patients regain some of the functionality that was lost as a result of the amputation.
