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Lower limb amputation (LLA) survey - P Slabbert, D Allard

Lower limb amputation (LLA) survey in a
regional metropolitan hospital in South Africa
P Slabbert, D Allard

Department of Surgery, GF Jooste Hospital, Cape Town
ASSA 2007

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of lower limb amputations (LLA) world wide. There is a lack of data from South Africa.
Poorly managed patients commonly present with gangrene of the lower limb requiring amputation.

Aim

To prospectively audit all lower limb amputations done at GF Jooste Hospital since January 1st 2007.

Method

Using a simple data collection sheet, gender and age, underlying pathologies and duration of in-hospital stay were analyzed.

Area E = Drainage population of GF Jooste +/- 1,5 million

Types of 114 amputations performed

DM = Diabetes Mellitus PVD = Peripheral Vascular Disease

Frequency of diabetes mellitus in patients requiring amputation

Above knee amputees require longer in-hospital rehabilitation
The majority of diabetic patients requiring LLA were not using insulin for glucose control

Conclusion

74% of vasculopathic patients requiring LLA in our area are diabetic.
54% of male diabetic patients requiring LLA are newly diagnosed.
An intensive diabetic foot program is necessary to decrease the amount of amputations performed in SA.