Gangrene is the death of an organ or body tissue. When the blood
supply is cut off, the tissues don't get enough oxygen. They begin to die. If
the gangrene is widespread, it may cause generalized shock.
There are three main types:
Dry gangrene - lack of blood supply causes the tissues to dry up and
slough off.
Wet gangrene - the tissues become moist and decompose. Wet gangrene
usually occurs when the tissues are infected with bacteria.
Gas gangrene - a particular type of bacteria (Clostridia) produces gas
bubbles in the tissues.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or
condition.
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Traumatic injury, especially crushing injuries
- Wound infection after surgery
- Frostbite
- Burns
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Raynauds disease
- Blood clots
- Ruptured appendix
- Hernia
- Intravenous drug use
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a
physical exam.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Tests of the discharge and tissue from the gangrenous area
- X-rays of the area
- CT Scan ? a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the
inside of the body
- MRI Scan ? a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside
of the body
Treatment
Antibiotics - these medications are given in a very potent form,
through an IV.
Blood thinners - these are given to prevent blood clots.
Debridement - a surgical procedure to cut away dead and dying tissue. It
is done to try to avoid the spread of gangrene.
Amputation - if an entire toe, finger, hand, foot, leg, or arm is
severely affected by gangrene, this body part may need to be removed.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment - this therapy involves exposing the affected
tissue to oxygen at high pressure.