Gangrene Treatment in Delhi, India

Gangrene develops due to a wound, tissue infection, or other diseases that impair blood circulation. The dead or diseased tissue must be removed while the infection must be treated to prevent gangrene from spreading. The root cause of gangrene must be addressed.

Alternate Name of Gangrene

Gangrenous necrosis

Associated Anatomy of Gangrene

It can affect any region of the body. Although, it most commonly begins in the toes, feet, fingers, or hands.

Types of Gangrene

Dry Gangrene

When blood flow to a region is interrupted or disrupted, the tissue dies. Poor circulation is a frequent cause of dry gangrene.

Wet Gangrene

It is caused by a bacterial infection combined with an injury that cuts off the blood supply. In wet gangrene, tissue expands, and blisters and pus form. Medications must be administered immediately when wet gangrene spreads.

Gas Gangrene

This refers to the infection with the bacteria Clostridium that causes tissue death. Within the body, bacteria multiply rapidly, releasing poisons and gas. Without treatment, gas gangrene can swiftly lead to death.

Fournier's Gangrene

This is an infection of the penis, scrotum, or under the surface of the skin.

Internal Gangrene

These severe cases of gangrene occur when a blockage in blood flow occurs within internal organs like the intestines or the appendix.

Gangrene Causes

Among the causes of gangrene are:

• Blood supply shortage: A blood supply shortage exists in the body. Your blood transports oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. It also offers antibodies to your immune system to help it fight infections. Your cells cannot live without an adequate blood supply. Thus, tissue decays.
• Infection: Gangrene can result from an untreated bacterial infection.
• Injuries caused by trauma: Gunshot wounds or crushing injuries from vehicle accidents can result in open wounds that allow germs to enter the body. Gangrene can occur if germs invade tissues and go untreated.

Gangrene Symptoms

The symptoms of gangrene differ depending on the cause of the disease. Among the general signs are:

• Pale, cold skin
• A loss of sensation in the afflicted region
• The afflicted region may or may not be painful.
• Skin in the afflicted region is red and inflamed.

Other indications and symptoms of gangrene caused by a bacterial infection may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Appetite loss
• Both breathing and heartbeats are quick.
• Dizziness
• Blisters and sores that bleed and expel foul-smelling pus
• When pushing on the skin, there is a crackling sound (indicates a buildup of gas in tissue).
• Skin colour changes as it dies, from red to brown to purple to black.

Gangrene Diagnosis and Tests

Blood tests

Blood tests may be ordered by your physician to confirm the presence of a specific type of bacteria or germs.

Tissue culture

Microorganisms that cause gangrene may be examined in the fluid from a skin blister. A sample of tissue may be examined under a microscope by your physician for evidence of apoptosis.

X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) Scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans

These tests can provide more information through pictures about your organs, arteries, and bones. The findings of these tests can be used by your doctor to evaluate how far the necrosis has progressed in your body.

Surgery

Surgery may be conducted to understand the interior of the body better and assess the amount of cell damage.

Gangrene Treatment and Care

Tissue destroyed by gangrene cannot be saved. However, certain actions can be taken to keep the gangrene from worsening. The sooner you receive therapy, the greater your chances of recovery.

Gangrene treatment in extreme stages may include medication, operation, hyperbaric therapy, or a combination of these options.

Medications

Antibiotics are either intravenously or orally administered. To alleviate your suffering, pain medicines may be used.

Other treatments include surgery.

Depending on the level of gangrene and its severity, you may require more than one procedure. Gangrene surgery involves the following procedures:

Debridement

The debridement procedure is intended to eliminate the contaminated tissue and prevent the disease from spreading. To improve the flow of blood to the afflicted area, surgery on damaged or diseased blood vessels may be performed. Whether a prescription is required in a specific case depends on the severity of the infection.

Amputation

In extreme gangrene situations, the affected body part, such as a toe, hand, or any other part, may need to be amputated. In such cases, patients can consider getting a prosthesis later.

Skin transplantation

Transplantation of skin is another treatment method.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy/treatment

Treatment is performed in a chamber pressured with only oxygen. There is typically a cushioned surface inside a tube that slides into a transparent plastic tube. As the chamber gradually fills with more air, the pressure increases to around 2.5 times the typical air pressure.

When a patient’s body is exposed to greater pressure and oxygen, the body can transport more oxygen through the blood. Infected wounds are more likely to heal if oxygen-rich blood is present. Certain germs can thrive in tissues that lack oxygen.

It usually takes 90 minutes for gangrene therapy to take effect. Two out of three treatments may be necessary until the infection can be fully treated.

Take charge of your health. Keep your sugar levels under control if you have diabetes. Examine your hands, feet, and legs daily for symptoms of the damage, slow wound healing, or other skin issues.

Risk Factors of Gangrene

Individuals with the following conditions are more prone to develop gangrene:

• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes wreaks havoc on the nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes causes wounds to heal slowly. Infection is more likely in slow-healing wounds. Diabetes complications put the feet in particular danger of infection.
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Serious skin and tissue injuries, such as burns, frostbite, and trauma.
• Compromised immune system

Complications of Gangrene

If left untreated, gangrene can lead to sepsis, a deadly blood infection. Sepsis can lead to organ failure, dangerously low blood pressure, changes in cognitive state, shock, and death.

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