Diabetic septic foot lesions in El Obeid, Western Sudan

ABSTRACT

To study the magnitude, presentations and outcomes of diabetic septic foot lesions in EI Obeid, Western Sudan. The records of 86 diabetic patients with septic foot lesions admitted to the wards of the University Surgical Unit at EI Obeid Teaching Hospital, Western Sudan during the years 2005 and 2006 were studied. The data of 5 patients who were referred to other hospitals were excluded. There were 55 males and 26 females. The mean age was 56.81 years +/- SD 12. On presentation patients [74.1%] were Wagner's Grade 3, 4 and 5. 20 patients ended with major lower limb amputations [24.7%] and 23 others had minor toe amputations [28.4%]. The mortality was 6 patients [7.4%]. The late presentation and the poor outcomes necessitate the need to raise the awareness among the society and health providers, about the magnitude of the problem. A multi-disciplinary foot care team approach with the establishment of a local diabetic centre is highly recommended