Gangrene

Question 1

What is gangrene?

Answer 1

Gangrene is a serious medical condition characterised by the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply, infection, or both.

Question 2

Where does gangrene commonly occur?

Answer 2

Gangrene can affect any part of the body but commonly occurs in the extremities, such as the toes, fingers, feet, and hands.

Question 3

Why is gangrene considered a medical emergency?

Answer 3

Gangrene requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further tissue loss, systemic infection, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Question 4

What is the pathophysiology of gangrene?

Answer 4

The pathophysiology of gangrene involves the interruption of blood supply, leading to tissue ischaemia and necrosis.

Question 5

What can cause arterial occlusion leading to gangrene?

Answer 5

Arterial occlusion can be caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or embolism.

Question 6

How can infection contribute to gangrene?

Answer 6

Bacteria, especially in wet and gas gangrene, can exacerbate tissue necrosis through toxin production.

Question 7

What role does trauma play in gangrene?

Answer 7

Severe injuries can compromise blood supply and introduce pathogens.

Question 8

What chronic conditions can predispose individuals to gangrene?

Answer 8

Chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus can impair vascular function and immune response, increasing the risk of gangrene.

Question 9

What is dry gangrene?

Answer 9

Dry gangrene is caused by chronic ischaemia, usually due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Question 10

What are the characteristics of dry gangrene?

Answer 10

Dry gangrene is characterised by dry, shrivelled, and blackened tissue with clear demarcation between healthy and necrotic tissue.

Question 11

What is wet gangrene?

Answer 11

Wet gangrene results from a sudden lack of blood supply combined with bacterial infection.

Question 12

What are the symptoms of wet gangrene?

Answer 12

Wet gangrene presents with swollen, moist, and blistered tissue with a foul odour and rapid spread.

Question 13

What is gas gangrene?

Answer 13

Gas gangrene, or Clostridial myonecrosis, is caused by infection with Clostridium bacteria, which produce gas and toxins.

Question 14

What are the symptoms of gas gangrene?

Answer 14

Gas gangrene is characterised by severe pain, swelling, and rapid onset of systemic symptoms, including tachycardia and shock.

Question 15

What is necrotising fasciitis?

Answer 15

Necrotising fasciitis is a severe form of gangrene involving the fascia and subcutaneous tissues caused by mixed bacterial infections.

Question 16

What are the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis?

Answer 16

Symptoms include intense pain, rapid progression of erythema, swelling, and systemic signs of sepsis.

Question 17

What are the key management strategies for gangrene?

Answer 17

Key management strategies include surgical intervention, antibiotic therapy, supportive care, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Question 18

What surgical interventions are used in gangrene management?

Answer 18

Surgical interventions include debridement, amputation, and revascularisation.

Question 19

What type of antibiotics are used for gangrene?

Answer 19

Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics are used initially, followed by targeted therapy based on culture results.

Question 20

What supportive care is provided for gangrene patients?

Answer 20

Supportive care includes management of systemic symptoms, fluid resuscitation, pain control, and monitoring of comorbid conditions.

Question 21

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help in gangrene?

Answer 21

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances oxygen delivery to ischaemic tissues and inhibits anaerobic bacterial growth.