Impact of revascularization and factors associated with limb salvage in patients with diabetic foot

Introduction: Diabetic foot is a common cause of hospitalization. Objective: To examine the impact of revascularization on lower limb salvage. Method: Retrospective study of diabetic patients with foot ulcers. The extent of tissue loss was assessed according to the PEDIS and Wagner classifications, and revascularization indications and techniques were evaluated. Factors involved with major amputation and limb salvage were assessed with Fisher's and chi-square tests. Results: A total of 307 patients with a mean age of 61 years were included in the study; 198 (64%) were males; 53 (17%) underwent limb revascularization, 26 (8%) with endovascular techniques and 27 (9%) with open surgery; 27 belonged to PEDIS grade 3 (51%) and 21 (41%) to Wagner's classification grade 4; 52% of revascularized patients required major amputation versus 25% of those without revascularization. Comorbidities, demographic variables, complications and mortality showed no differences when patients who required major amputation were compared with those who didn't. Conclusion: Despite revascularization, the limb was preserved in less than 50% of patients. Early referral to vascular surgery and appropriate patient-selection criteria might increase limb salvage.