Diabetic foot gangrene - A case study

Abstract

Diabetic foot is a major public health issue which may lead to leg amputation and thus resulting in disability, reduction in the quality of life and high treatment cost.  Non healing ulcer turning into gangrene is a common consequence of diabetic foot. Thus, saving the limb and healing of the leg ulcer are the major challenges faced in case of diabetic foot disease.  In this case study, Conservative Ayurveda surgical management was followed in the case of diabetic foot gangrene.

A 60 year old female patient, a known case of diabetes mellitus since three years presented with sudden onset of blackish discoloration, pus discharge in the left foot since two weeks. She was diagnosed as diabetic gangrene of left foot. She was advised amputation of foot by 3 contemporary surgeons.

Patient had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and sepsis, which was effectively managed. Once the patient was hemodynamically stable, amputation of left great toe and debridement of left foot ulcer was done.

Following this treatment, extensive diabetic foot ulcer healed with formation of healthy granulation tissue with the help of internal medications and local wound care. Complete ulcer healing was noted in a span of four months without any complications, conservative Ayurveda Surgical intervention has proven very helpful to save the foot and complete healing of the ulcer in this case study.