Amputation is one of the most devastating treatments for gangrene, but there are other options. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures that you can take, such as monitoring your body for symptoms. You should discuss your treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine if you are at risk. However, if you are already afflicted with gangrene, you must know your options to prevent the disease from spreading.
Treatments
Gangrene treatments depend on the infection’s severity and the patient’s general health. Some treatments involve antibiotics to kill the bacteria and other infected tissue. Some patients may also undergo surgery to remove the dead tissue and restore blood circulation to the area. Another treatment for gangrene is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which forces higher oxygen levels into the affected area. The treatment can speed up healing and kill bacteria. However, if the gangrene is very advanced, amputation may be necessary.
To diagnose gangrene, a healthcare provider will perform a physical examination. They will look for signs of tissue death and may also ask about any other chronic illnesses the patient has had. They will order lab tests to determine the exact cause if the symptoms are consistent with gangrene. High levels of white blood cells may indicate an infection, so antibiotics may be prescribed to fight the infection.
Prevention
Prevention of gangrene begins with restoring proper blood flow to the affected area. If the infected area is too large to repair on its own, doctors may recommend skin grafting, which uses skin from another area of the body to cover the infected one. In addition, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any bacterial infections. Vascular surgery may also restore proper blood flow to body tissues.
In addition to treating the injury immediately, prevention of gangrene involves monitoring the wound to ensure that it heals correctly. The doctor will perform a physical exam and look for signs of gangrene. He will also ask about any recent surgeries or injuries. Blood tests will also be performed to determine the presence of bacteria. The presence of bacteria will determine the most effective antibiotic to treat the infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of gangrene involves performing various tests and procedures. These include blood tests and imaging tests. For example, an elevated white blood cell count indicates an infection. Other tests may include an X-ray, MRI, and computerized tomography scan. An arteriogram is another test that is used to visualize blood vessels. In this test, a dye is injected into the bloodstream to reveal the location of the blood vessels.
Gangrene is usually diagnosed after a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility. It often occurs following surgery, trauma, or treatment for a severe medical condition. Usually, the primary care physician or a surgeon makes gangrene diagnoses.
Symptoms
If you have gangrene symptoms, the first thing to do is contact a medical professional right away. Because of the severe nature of this condition, prompt diagnosis is critical for treatment. A physician should perform a thorough examination to ensure that the infection is indeed gangrene and not something else. If gangrene is detected, the patient should immediately be admitted to a hospital.
Gangrene is a bacterial infection of tissues. It usually begins as swelling and wetness and can spread to other body parts. Symptoms of wet gangrene include swelling and numbness accompanied by a foul odor. Depending on the severity of the infection, it can also lead to confusion and low blood pressure.
Surgery
Surgery for gangrene is one of the best ways to prevent it from spreading further. If left untreated, gangrene can quickly spread to organs and other tissues. In severe cases, a body part may need to be removed. This may leave scarring and require reconstructive surgery. A good treatment plan for gangrene should include managing any underlying conditions.
Surgical treatments for gangrene can include debridement, angioplasty, and bypass surgery. The latter involves putting a small balloon inside an artery to widen it and restore blood flow. Other options may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by circulating levels through the body. In some cases, amputation is necessary to treat advanced cases of gangrene.
