Symmetrical peripheral gangrene reconstruction after lower limb amputation

Abstract

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a complication of septicemia, characterized by progressive skin lesions, which can result in wide necrosis of all the extremities. Severe necrosis is often responsible of disfiguring consequences. It is important to limit the amputation and to provide a stable and functional soft tissue coverage of the stumps. Limited amputation and free flap reconstruction may help to prevent tissue loss and to provide an effective prosthetization and a prompt rehabilitation. We present a clinical case of a 60-year-old male admitted in our department for lower limbs necrosis due to SPG after a pneumococcal infection. The patient underwent bilateral forefeet amputation and microsurgical reconstruction with antero-lateral thigh flap was performed on the left stump. Vascular complications determined a progressive necrosis of the flap and the failure of the reconstruction. A careful analysis of the local and systemic inflammatory vascular and coagulative issues following the SPG has been performed to explain the failure of the microsurgery. Although the opinion of several authors is divided about the use of free tissue transfer, we believe that microsurgical reconstruction remains the first choice of treatment due to the reduced morbidity and early rehabilitation it provides.