Rescue of diabetic foot from amputation – a case report

This study presents the case of a 52-year-old man with a 15-year history of insulin-dependent diabetes, who developed phlegmon of his right foot following an attempt to remove a corn. On admission, the patient presented symptoms of incipient sepsis. The treatment – wide incisions on the foot, evacuation of collected pus and necrotic debris, as well as antibiotic therapy – allowed for stabilization of the patient’s general condition. However, the local infection of the foot did not withdraw and the patient required repeated surgeries, including amputation of the toes and meta-tarsal bones. The infection progressed, spreading to the lateral ankle and the distal part of the calf. During the next operation, following incision and drainage of pus, the substance Stimulan, which aids in the liberation of antibiotics, was introduced to the wounds; this appeared to be effective and resulted in control of the infection. Soft tissue defects were repaired by local flap-plasty and split skin grafting. At the follow-up examination 6 months later, the patient displayed completely healed wounds, wore normal shoe on the affected foot, and walked without any support.