Makindo Medical Notes.com

Dry Gangrene

• Ischaemic muscle necrosis but no obvious infection. The tissue involved often toes is well-defined and demarcated. Usually mild pain or painless, shrivelled brown/black area.
• The usual plan is for debridement or amputation. Often conservative management which allows autoamputation.

Wet Gangrene

• This is regarded as an emergency. This is the classical acutely ischaemic limb that is infected with Clostridium infection-causing necrosis and sepsis. There is pyrexia, pain and pus. Often the patient is diabetic and has comorbidities. Involve the surgeons. They may consider debridement.
• In meantime give high flow O₂, fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics such as Benzylpenicillin or Clindamycin and Metronidazole. Palliation may be suitable for some.