| Gangrene occurs when tissue dies (necrosis) because its blood supply is interrupted. Gangrene may be caused by an infection, injury, or a complication of a long-term condition that restricts blood circulation. It most commonly occurs in the extremities - the toes, fingers, arms and legs - but internal organs and muscles may also become gangrenous. There are five main types of gangrene: 1. Dry gangrene. 2. Wet gangrene. 3. Gas gangrene. 4. Internal gangrene. 5. Fournier's gangrene. What are the causes of gangrene? Our cells require nutrients and oxygen to survive and they get this from our blood. If their blood supply goes down below a certain level, the cells will become damaged and will eventually die. Tissues and cells are also attacked by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Our white blood cells and the Thymus cells (T-cells) form part of our immune system and fight germs. If the blood supply is cut there will be no white cells or T-cells to stop the organisms from multiplying and causing an infection. What are the symptoms of gangrene? Symptoms of dry gangrene Generally, dry gangrene develops slowly. It is the most common gangrene for patients with atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. · A red line appears on the skin which surrounds the affected tissue. · The area will gradually become numb and cold. · When necrosis (tissue death) occurs there may be some pain. · Some patients, especially older ones, may feel nothing at all. · The area will change from red, to brown, to black. · The necrotized tissue then shrivels up and eventually falls off. What is the treatment for gangrene? Necrotized (dead) tissue cannot be saved, but a lot can be done to stop the gangrene from spreading. · Surgery (Debridement) The surgical removal of dead tissue (debridement) helps prevent the gangrene from spreading, and allows healthy tissue to recover. Damaged or diseased blood vessels might also be repaired during surgery so that blood flow is restored to the affected area. Skin graft - if damage is extensive the surgeon may remove some healthy skin from one part of the patient's body and spread it over the affected area. Sacrificed skin is usually taken from a part of the body that is hidden by clothing. Skin grafts are only possible if the blood supply to the affected area is adequate. Amputation - if the gangrene is severe it is sometimes necessary to amputate the affected body part, for example a finger, toe, or limb. · Imaging techniques Interventional radiologists can use angiography, an X-ray exam of the arteries and veins, to confirm loss of blood flow to a patient's hand or toes, then intra-arterial catheters to directly deliver drugs to dissolve the blood clots and relax the arteries' muscular walls resulting in better blood flow to the affected area |
Comments
Post a Comment