The Importance of Early Detection of Blood Flow to Prevent Diabetic Foot Amputation
Diabetic foot wounds are often mistakenly regarded as merely skin problems. However, this complication is far more complex as it is closely linked to blood vessel health, which can result in amputation if not managed early.
Vascular surgeon Dr. Andrew Jackson Yang, a specialist in vascular and endovascular surgery from Pondok Indah-Puri Indah Hospital, emphasises that the feet are the body’s most vulnerable area to injury because they bear the body’s weight as the primary support.
“Trauma frequently occurs in the foot area. For example, being struck or stubbed, so foot wounds are more prone to occur than injuries to the hands or other parts of the body,” explains Andrew.
An Indonesia University graduate, Andrew explains that the primary cause of slow wound healing in diabetics is blood flow obstruction. Blockages in blood vessels result in tissues or organs receiving insufficient blood supply carrying oxygen and nutrients for healing. This condition is exacerbated by prolonged elevated blood sugar levels, which trigger abnormalities in tissue repair cell function and immune system dysfunction, making even minor wounds highly susceptible to severe infection.
“Diabetes is not only related to blood sugar but also attacks blood vessels. Foot wounds are not merely skin problems, so blood flow examination is extremely important,” Andrew emphasises.
The doctor explains that managing diabetic feet requires comprehensive observation through vascular evaluation methods. This step is undertaken to determine the appropriate medical intervention to save foot tissue.
Several examination procedures typically performed include the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, and angiography. If blockages are found, doctors can apply angioplasty procedures to open narrowed blood vessels, including stent placement if necessary. Additionally, there is the atherectomy procedure using specialised equipment to remove plaque from blood vessel walls.
The primary objective of the entire vascular management sequence is to avoid major amputation. Andrew presents crucial evidence regarding the link between minor wounds and the risk of limb loss.
“There is a fascinating fact from research stating that approximately 85% of amputations in diabetes begin with small foot wounds, and early blood flow evaluation and revascularisation can prevent many amputation cases,” he concludes.
Through early intervention and appropriate blood flow evaluation, the risk of severe infection can be reduced, enabling diabetic patients to maintain their quality of life without undergoing amputation procedures.