Surgical Complications of Diabetes Mellitus in and Around Kalaburagi

Abstract

BACKGROUNDDiabetes is an ancient disease, epidemic and an economic burden for the present era. Diabetes and its longterm major complications include septic, vascular (either microvascular or macrovascular) and neuropathic lesions which affect the various anatomical regions of the body. Majority of admissions to surgical wards are due to these surgical complications of diabetes.The objectives are to study the surgical complications of diabetes, their outcome and management modalities aimed at studying age, sex, regional pattern, socioeconomic pattern, mode of presentation, type of lesions, various modalities of treatment available in the hospital, and outcome of each modalities practised in the hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a descriptive study of 72 cases of diabetes mellitus with surgical complications like carbuncles, foot ulcers, neuropathy, etc. admitted in surgical wards of Basaveshwar Teaching and General Hospital, during the period extending from June 2015-May 2016. RESULTSIt was found that these complications usually occur in the age of 51-60 years. The ratio of male: female is 2.13:1. And men who worked outdoors like agriculturists were commonly affected with these complications. Nearly 58 patients in this series of 72 had past history of trauma and subsequently lesions developed. The common lesions are septic lesions of the foot in the form of ulcers, cellulitis and gangrene, followed by vascular and neuropathic lesions. Most of them were managed conservatively. 13 cases underwent incision & drainage and came for regular followup, 10 cases underwent disarticulation of toes. 4 patients underwent below-knee amputations, whereas 8 patients underwent above-knee amputations and 7 patients needed split skin grafting for covering of raw area. Mortality rate of this series of 72 patients was 4.16% (n=3). CONCLUSIONIt was concluded that the known male diabetics with trivial injuries, on irregular treatment, who work outdoors usually present with lesions requiring admission and intervention. Commonly affected site is lower limb followed by upper limb.