Limb salvage experience in a multidisciplinary diabetic foot unit.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the results of the strategy used in avoiding major amputations in patients admitted to a vascular surgical department with a new multidisciplinary diabetic foot unit.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was retrospective. A total of 162 patients (172 limbs) were classified into three groups. Group A1 had limb-threatening ischemia and were undergoing revascularization (85 patients, 91 legs). Group A2 had limb-threatening ischemia, but revascularization was not feasible for them (23 patients). Group B had foot ulcers due to peripheral neuropathy and did not require arterial reconstruction (54 patients, 58 legs).

RESULTS

In group A1 there were 115 revascularizations; 42 conduits had outflow to crural arteries and 14 to pedal arteries. Resection of gangrene was required in 43% of the limbs. The chances of preserved limb at 1 and at 24 months were 95 and 85%, respectively, and the chances of patient survival were 89 and 64%. In group A2, the chances of preserved limb at 1 and at 24 months were only 35 and 17%, respectively, and the chances of patient survival were only 64 and 16%. In group B, 51 of 58 limbs suffered invasive infection; debridement of the ulcers required resection of toes or part of the foot in 64% of cases. The chances of preserved limb at 1 and at 24 months was 98 and 86%; the chances of patient survival were 98 and 68%. Ankle and toe systolic pressures were less suitable than repeated clinical examinations in deciding the need for revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Major amputation can be avoided in about 80% of patients with limb-threatening ischemia and in about 95% with foot ulceration complicated with infection. Multifactorial treatment of the complex foot lesions by a multidisciplinary foot care team is considered mandatory to obtain satisfactory limb salvage.