Lower extrimity amputation in diabetic patient

To evaluate the frequency of lower limb amputations in diabetic patients, hence emphasizing the importance of timely surgical intervention in salvage of lower limb and to reduce the morbidity and mortality. This descriptive study was conducted in Nishtar Hospital, Multan over a period of one year extending from January 2004 to December 2004. One hundred patients were included in the study. The incidence of amputations rose steeply with age; most amputation occurred in patients over 60 year. The incidence was a higher in men than in women. The incidences of major amputations were 32% than that of minor amputations. The main out come variables were the number of repeat operations and hospitalization for salvage of limb with recurrent or persistent infection, and time to complete forefoot healing or foot amputation. Amputations performed at healthy zones reduce the hospital stay of the patient but mortality was more consistently for proximal amputations