Do you have to amputate your legs if you have untreated peripheral arterial disease?
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8 doctors weighed in:
Do you have to amputate your legs if you have untreated peripheral arterial disease?
8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Matt Malkin
Anesthesiology
In brief: Possibility
If tissue dies or severely infected, amputation can be life-saving.
In completely uncontrolled pad, it is very, very common, especially if uncontrolled diabetes and tobacco use. To treat, stop smoking, control diabetes. May be given blood thinners or blood vessel dilators. Artery bypass may be also recommended. See a vascular surgeon for treatment options.
In brief: Possibility
If tissue dies or severely infected, amputation can be life-saving.
In completely uncontrolled pad, it is very, very common, especially if uncontrolled diabetes and tobacco use. To treat, stop smoking, control diabetes. May be given blood thinners or blood vessel dilators. Artery bypass may be also recommended. See a vascular surgeon for treatment options.
Dr. Matt Malkin
Thank
Dr. Oliver Aalami
Surgery - Vascular
In brief: Depends
Pvd alone does not mandate a leg amputation.
Only if people have severe advanced peripheral vascular disease manifesting itself with "wet" infected gangrene, rapidly progressing foot infection, a large non-healing wound, or a non-viable limb would be considered for an amputation. Medical treatment of PVD as well as surgical revascularization can help prevent progression to the above states.
In brief: Depends
Pvd alone does not mandate a leg amputation.
Only if people have severe advanced peripheral vascular disease manifesting itself with "wet" infected gangrene, rapidly progressing foot infection, a large non-healing wound, or a non-viable limb would be considered for an amputation. Medical treatment of PVD as well as surgical revascularization can help prevent progression to the above states.
Dr. Oliver Aalami
Thank
Dr. Michael Korona
Radiology - Interventional
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