Too many unneeded amputations

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Up to 85 per cent of amputations in diabetics may not be necessary, says the International Diabetes Foundation.
Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to non-healing ulcers on the feet and legs of people with diabetes. Sometimes this problem leads to the need for lower limb amputation - but there are other options. The International Diabetes Foundation has said that the majority of these amputations may not be needed. Of 82,000 lower limb amputations in the US every year, more than 60 per cent occur among diabetics.

Having a lower limb amputated is traumatic and disabling. Indeed, the five year survival rate for such amputees is only around 50 per cent. Another option would be cool laser revascularization for peripheral artery therapy or CLiRpath. This is a way of using a laser to remove the blockages that impeded circulation and offers a good chance of saving a limb. Trials have shown that limb salvage was possible among 95 per cent of those who received the laser treatment. It is available in more than 300 hospitals across the US and should be a consideration before taking the drastic option of lower limb amputation.

Source
International Diabetes Foundation 30th May 2006

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