MINOR AMPUTATIONS ON THE FEET AFTER REVASCULARIZATION FOR GANGRENE - A CONSECUTIVE SERIES OF 95 LIMBS

A consecutive series of 89 patients (95 limbs) with gangrene were oper ated on with amputation of toes or some distal part of the foot after arterial reconstruction. 43 patients had diabetes. Healing was achieve d in 81/82 feet when the reconstruction was open. Amputation below or above the knee was required in 4/5 limbs when the reconstruction faile d. 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 m ore than one procedure had been necessary. We concluded that amputatio ns 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 e arly postoperative period.