Q: What are the signs and symptoms of gangrene?
A: If you are suffering from a black or blue discoloration of the skin that has a numb feeling, followed by pain that is severe and a foul-smelling discharge that leaks from the wound or sore, you may be suffering from gangrene.
Gangrene is dead or dying body tissue that occurs because of inadequate blood supply. Patients who suffer from diabetes or atherosclerosis, a disease of the arteries, have an increased chance of gangrene.
Treatment usually requires endovascular surgery to improve blood flow, debridement of the dead tissue and a round of antibiotics to promote healing. When gangrene is recognized early and treated quickly, the best results can be achieved and major amputation can be avoided.
Dr. Chris Lesar is a vascular surgeon at Vascular Institute of Chattanooga and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.
Contributed Photo / Dr. Chris Lesar