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Suggest Treatment For Gangrene In Toe

Posted on Tue, 19 May 2015

Question: I had previously mentioned about my XXXXXXX friend, retired(65 yrs of age).Dry gangreen has developed in toe.He cleans 3 times a day with hydrogen peroxide and apply neosporin powder Yet , no visible improvement in the affected area.Also taking anti bacterial and anti inflammatory drug daily.Left affected leg has 50% reduction in blood flow(From doppler scan)Right leg has 75% reduction in blood flow.Any further thoughts as to improve the prognosis. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
His toe needs amputation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I do not think that daily dressing or any other procedure is going to improve his gangrene.
I would recommend him to get this toe amputated. This will prevent any future complication like spreading gangrene or infection.
For increasing blood flow he should quit smoking. He should also consult to a vascular suregon. He may be benefitted from bypass surgery .
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

My friend agrees with the answer, since he had the daily experience of nursing
this wound for last 1 and half month.I also agree with the bypass surgery advice, since blood flow is compromised on both legs. Keep you updated on further
progress,. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you a fast and speedy recovery

Detailed Answer:
hello,
I think your friend should go for amputation as soon as possible. His healing will be fast. If there is option of bypass available for him, then both surgery can be done at same time.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (12 hours later)

Just for curiosity, how much an amputation, and bypass surgery cost on an average?I realize there may be many factors involved(specially the bypass)
thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it is not fixed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it is very difficult to give any fix amount as it can be different in different city. But It can be done in less than 40000 in a government hospital. In private it can cost 100000 rupees. Though it is a very rough estimate.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar