Gangrene is a serious condition, and in cases of septic shock, it can be life-threatening. It’s characterized by the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection. At The Vascular and Interventional Centre, we’re dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and care you need to understand and address this condition effectively. Let’s dive into what you should know!

What is Gangrene?

Gangrene occurs when body tissues die because they aren’t getting enough blood. This can happen because of illnesses, injuries, or infections that cut off blood flow. A condition that can damage the blood vessels and affect blood flow, such as diabetes or hardened arteries (atherosclerosis), increases the risk of gangrene. It commonly affects the arms and legs, including the toes and fingers. It can also occur in the muscles and in organs inside the body, such as the gallbladder.

Types of Gangrene

Gangrene isn’t just one condition; it presents in several forms, each with its own characteristics:

• Dry Gangrene: This type usually occurs in people with blood vessel disease, like peripheral artery disease. The affected area becomes dry, shriveled, and changes color, often turning brown to black.
• Wet Gangrene: If there is disrupted blood flow along with a bacterial infection, wet gangrene can occur. Blisters that release pus develop on your skin, and it can spread fast to other tissues.
• Gas Gangrene: This develops from a bacterial infection, often by Clostridium. The bacteria multiply quickly in muscle tissue, forming toxins and releasing gas, and can be fatal within  hours if untreated.
• Fournier’s Gangrene: Affecting the genital area, this type is more common in males but can occur in anyone.
• Internal Gangrene: This affects internal organs, such as the intestines or gallbladder, due to blocked blood flow.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of gangrene can vary, so it’s important to be vigilant:

• Discoloration of the skin (red, purple, or black)
• Swelling
• Loss of sensation or severe pain
• Sores or blisters with discharge
• Fever

Act Quickly

The earlier gangrene treatment begins, the more effective it’s likely to be. Contact your GP immediately if you have any of the symptoms of gangrene. If your GP isn’t available, call NHS  or your local NHS out-of-hours service for advice. If bacteria from gangrene pass into your bloodstream, you could go into septic shock (sepsis).

Treatment Options

Treatment for gangrene aims to remove dead tissue, stop the infection from spreading, and address the underlying cause:

• Antibiotics: To combat bacterial infections.
• Debridement: Surgical removal of dead tissue to prevent the spread of infection.
• Amputation: In severe cases, removing the affected limb or digit may be necessary.
• Revascularization: Procedures to improve blood flow, such as angioplasty with stenting or bypass surgery.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: This involves sitting in a pressurized chamber to increase oxygen levels in the blood, promoting healing and fighting infection.
• Wound care and dressings: Meticulous attention to the affected area, primarily focusing on cleaning and debridement of necrotic tissue. Dressings, such as hydrogels or alginate dressings, are frequently employed to maintain a moist wound environment, remove dead tissue and promote tissue regeneration.
• Skin grafting: If you need reconstruction, your doctor might be able to take healthy tissue from another area of your body.
• Maggot debridement: During this procedure, clean fly larvae are placed on the affected area to eat away dead tissue and remove bacteria.

Prevention and Care

While not always preventable, you can reduce your risk by managing conditions like diabetes, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and avoiding smoking. Prompt attention to wounds and infections is also crucial.

The Vascular and Interventional Centre: Your Partner in Vascular Health

At The Vascular and Interventional Centre, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care for vascular conditions like gangrene. Our team of experts offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options to help you maintain optimal vascular health.