Definition:
Complication of necrosis which is the ‘cell death' characterized by the decay of body tissues, which become black and malodorous. It caused by infection or ischemia, such as from thrombosis (blocked blood vessel).
Diagnosis:
These environmental bacteria may enter the muscle through a wound and subsequently proliferate in necrotic tissue and secrete powerful toxins. These toxins damages nearby tissue, generating gas at the same time.
Treatment:
The best treatment for gangrene is revascularization which is the restoration of blood flow) of the affected organ, which can reverse some of the effects of necrosis and allow healing. Treatment includes auto-amputation, debridement and local care, or surgical amputation. The method of treatment generally recognize depending on location of affected tissue and extent of tissue loss.
Symptoms and Signs:
The early signs of dry gangrene are a dull ache and sensation of coldness in the affected area along with pallor of the flesh. If caught early, the process can sometimes be reverse by vascular surgery. However, if necrosis sets in, the affected tissue must remove just as with wet gangrene.
Causes:
It is usually the result of critically insufficient blood supply and is often associated with diabetes, and long-term smoking. This condition is often common in the lower extremities.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
