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.
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