MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE ISCHEMIA OF THE FOOT SECONDARY TO OCCLUSIVE VASCULAR-DISEASE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 148  (3) , 396-398
Abstract
Of 100 patients, 111 limbs with gangrene of the lower extremity were initially treated with lumbar sympathectomy. Lumbar sympathectomy seems most beneficial in the management of gangrene of the toe with a limb salvage rate of 75%. The best results occurred when only one toe, not the big toe, was involved. Limb salvage dropped to 38% for gangrene of the foot, and with gangrene of the leg, lumbar sympathectomy had no effect. Diabetes had no effect on limb salvage for gangrene of the toe but did have an apparent effect on limb salvage for gangrene of the foot. Sympathectomy appeared to aid in stump healing, with 77% of the amputations done not requiring revision to a higher level. For patients presenting with gangrene of the toes or forefoot who are not candidates for reconstructive arterial procedures, lumbar sympathectomy as an initial operative procedure should be given serious consideration.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: