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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Amputation The Only Remedy For Gangrene Affected Lower Leg?

My 79 year old mother has gangrene that started in one toe, but has now spread to her lower leg. The doctor has tried blood thinners, anti-plaque medication, and most recently, placing a stent, but all to no avail. Now he is recommending amputation below the knee. Needless to say, she is devastated. If she chooses not to go forward with the amputation, what can she expect?
posted on Wed, 14 Dec 2016
Twitter Fri, 27 Jan 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 30 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Gangrene of the legs consist of infection as well as toxic substances released from dead tissues.
It is quite dangerous condition as it starts spreading upwards and can cause sepis of the whole body.
In the initial stages, conservative treatment with medication can prevent dying of cells in soft tissues and can manage with infections.
If this fails, amputation by means of surgery is the only choice left to prevent spread to the whole body and to save life.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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Is Amputation The Only Remedy For Gangrene Affected Lower Leg?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Gangrene of the legs consist of infection as well as toxic substances released from dead tissues. It is quite dangerous condition as it starts spreading upwards and can cause sepis of the whole body. In the initial stages, conservative treatment with medication can prevent dying of cells in soft tissues and can manage with infections. If this fails, amputation by means of surgery is the only choice left to prevent spread to the whole body and to save life. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.