GANGRENE

 Basic information

description

Gangrene is dead tissue. It forms when a wound becomes infected or tissue is destroyed by an accident. It can happen to any body part, including internal organs. The most common areas are toes, feet, legs, fingers, hands, and arms. The most dangerous areas are stomach organs.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Skin may be pale at first, then turn red or bronze, and finally, a purple or blue-black color.
• Crackling of the skin. This feels like pressing on air bubbles under the skin.
• Swelling of the skin tissue.
• Pain or loss of sensation in affected area.
• Bad-smelling discharge from the dead tissues.
• Fever, sweating, and fast heartbeat.

causes

Gangrene occurs when blood flow to a section of the body is blocked or reduced. There are two types. Dry gangrene is when there is no infection and is often caused by a blood clot or frostbite. Wet gangrene occurs when a wound becomes infected with bacteria. Gas gangrene is a type of wet gangrene.

risk increases with

• Infection with bacteria.
• Body injury caused by accidents, surgery, or deep puncture wounds.
• Crush injury that cuts off blood supply.
• Blood clot in an artery.
• Hardening of the arteries.
• Prolonged frostbite.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol use.
• Poor blood circulation.
• Old age.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Avoid any risk factors where possible.
• If you have diabetes, stick closely to your program to control diabetes. Check your feet often for signs of unhealthy tissue.
• Seek medical advice for signs of infection (warmth, swelling, redness, pain, or tenderness) in a skin injury.

expected outcomes

Can usually be cured in the early stages with drugs and treatment to remove dead tissue.

possible complications

• Liver damage, kidney failure, shock, and coma.
• Limb removal (amputation).
• Gangrene can be fatal, even with treatment.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Hospital care is needed for treatment. Your health care provider will do an exam of the affected area. Medical tests will be done to determine the extent of the problem. These may include blood studies and a culture of the fluid from the wound. Imaging tests such as x-ray, CT, or MRI may help with diagnosis.
• Treatment for gangrene will involve drug therapy and surgery to remove dead tissue. Removal (debridement) of the dead tissue may be repeated over several days.
• Treatment will be given for any medical problem that is causing the gangrene, and to help restore blood flow to the affected area.
• You may need oxygen supplied through a mask or into the nose to help you breathe.
• You may be placed in a sealed chamber (hyperbaric) where high-pressure oxygen is used for treatment.
• Amputation of an infected body part may be needed to keep the infection from spreading. This often involves part of an arm or leg. Instructions will be provided for ongoing home care and physical therapy following surgery.

medications

In the hospital, you will be given antibiotics, pain relievers, and, usually, blood thinners to prevent blood clotting. Additional drugs may be needed to treat other disorders diagnosed.

activity

• Rest in bed until healing begins. Your health care provider will advise you of any limits to your activities.
• Physical therapy may be needed after an amputation.

diet

Eat a high-protein, high-calorie diet while your body is repairing damaged tissue. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. Drink fluids (6 to 8 glasses daily).

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of gangrene.
• Pain continues, despite drugs and treatment.
• Fever or infection develops during recovery.

Special Notes: