New Techniques Help Save Limbs as Late Vascular Cases Rise
Summary: Vascular surgeon Dr. Abhineet Kumar at Lautoka Hospital in Fiji highlights the growing burden of late-presenting vascular disease, particularly among diabetic patients with severe foot ulcers and gangrene. Thanks to the adoption of advanced endovascular techniques, monthly amputation rates have decreased from 20–30 cases to 6–10 cases. Dr. Kumar stresses the urgent need for more specialised wound care nurses to improve early intervention and ongoing management. The article underscores how timely vascular assessment, modern techniques, and dedicated wound care teams can significantly reduce preventable amputations in resource-constrained settings.
Key Highlights:
- Amputation rates reduced from 20–30 to 6–10 cases per month with advanced techniques
- Emphasis on early vascular assessment and specialised wound care nursing
- Focus on diabetic foot ulcers and gangrene as major drivers of limb loss
- Call for increased training and resources in wound care to further save limbs
Keywords: limb salvage, vascular surgery, diabetic foot amputation, wound care nurse