Best Gangrene Treatment in Thane | Dr. Ritesh Gaikwad

Gangrene Treatment by Dr. Ritesh Gaikwad – Vascular Surgeon in Thane & Mumbai

If your toe is turning black, has foul smell, or your wound won’t heal—don’t panic. Gangrene is often treatable. At vascular centers in Thane (KIMS Hospital, Ghodbunder Road) and Mumbai (Ghatkopar & Mulund), we use modern endovascular techniques, angioplasty, and infection-first wound protocols to save limbs and lives.

What is Gangrene?

Gangrene is tissue death due to critically reduced blood supply (ischemia), often worsened by infection.

Types of Gangrene

• Dry Gangrene: Caused by Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), usually affecting toes and feet.
• Wet Gangrene: Ischemia + infection. Rapidly progressing, needs urgent debridement.
• Gas Gangrene: Toxin-producing bacterial infection. Medical emergency.

Who Is at Risk?

• Diabetics with foot wounds or neuropathy
• Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
• Those on dialysis or with CKD needing AV fistula access
• Smokers, people with high cholesterol or BP
• Those with history of diabetic foot ulcers or minor injuries that don't heal

Early Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

• Persistent leg/toe pain, especially at night or while walking
• Blackened or pale skin; foul-smelling wound
• Pus, fever, or rapidly worsening wound
• Numbness, cold foot, or non-healing ulcer

Early intervention = limb saved. Delayed care = risk of major amputation.

How We Diagnose It Quickly

• Clinical vascular assessment
• Doppler Ultrasound, ABI, or TcPO₂
• CT Angiography / MR Angiography
• Blood tests and cultures
• Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)

We ensure diagnosis within hours, not days.

Best Gangrene Treatment in Thane & Mumbai – What Sets Us Apart

1) Infection Control First

• IV antibiotics started immediately
• Sepsis bundle if needed
• Early ID/ICU input for spreading infection

2) Urgent Debridement or Drainage

• Removal of dead tissue or pus
• Drain abscess, decompress swollen compartments
• If needed: minimal, life-saving toe or foot amputation

3) Restore Blood Flow (Revascularization)

• Endovascular Angioplasty & Stenting
• Atherectomy for hardened plaque
• IVUS-guided imaging
• Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) for calcified arteries

4) Advanced Wound Healing

• Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
• Off-loading, diabetic footwear, skin substitutes
• Regular wound surveillance (ABI, TcPO₂, clinical review)

5) Medical Optimization

• Blood sugar & BP control
• Statins, antiplatelets, smoking cessation
• Nutritional support and footwear counseling

Real Patient Story

Mr. S., 87 years old, came with heel gangrene and severe rest pain. We started antibiotics, followed by angioplasty + atherectomy. A minor heel ulcer cleaning was performed, and the leg was fully saved.She walked out independently after recovery.

When Is Amputation Necessary?

Only when:

• The infection threatens life
• Tissue is non-viable despite blood flow restoration

Our goal is always: minimal amputation + early mobilization.

Recovery Timeline & Follow-Up

• Dressings tailored to wound-healing stage
• ABI/PVR or TcPO₂ checks at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months
• Yearly vascular check-ups for PAD, diabetes & foot care

Preventing Gangrene – Foot Care Checklist

• Daily foot checks (color, temperature, cracks, callus)
• Wear proper shoes; avoid barefoot walking
• Keep sugar, cholesterol, and BP in control
• Don’t ignore wounds—seek a vascular consultation early
• Follow up for PAD & diabetic foot surveillance

FAQs – Gangrene Treatment

Is every black toe an amputation?

No. Many cases heal fully with revascularization and infection control when treated promptly.

Is angioplasty better than bypass?

For most patients, angioplasty is safer and equally effective, especially when done early. Suitability depends on vessel anatomy.

Will the wound heal after angioplasty?

Yes, if infection is controlled and pressure is adequately offloaded.

Is diabetes alone enough to cause gangrene?

Usually it’s a combination of diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and infection. All three must be addressed.