Gangrene: Therapy

The therapy of gangrene depends on the cause.

If the cause of gangrene is an arterial circulatory disorder, its treatment is the first priority.

General measures

Immobilization of the affected limb and antiseptic measures (medicines used topically to prevent wound infection).
Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use).
Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day).
Limited caffeine consumption (max 240 mg of caffeine per day; equivalent to 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 4 to 6 cups of green/black tea).
Aim for normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program or program for the underweight
- BMI ≥ 25 → participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
- Falling below the BMI lower limit (from the age of 19: 19; from the age of 25: 20; from the age of 35: 21; from the age of 45: 22; from the age of 55: 23; from the age of 65: 24) → Participation in a medically supervised program for the underweight.

Resection (surgical removal), if possible; also necrectomy (synonym: necrosectomy; “cutting out” the dead tissue) or amputation, if necessary.