Muhammad Ahmad Ghazi, Yasir Akram, Muhammad Arshad Cheema, South Surgical Unit.
Diabetic patients; presentation and outcome in surgical ward.
Professional Med J Jan ;14(1):36-42.

Objective: Diabetics develop complications as a result of infection, microangiopathic and neuropathic changes. All these complication can be anticipated and prevented with good glycemic control and maintaining good podiatric care. This study was conducted to determine the presentation and out come of diabetics in general surgical ward. Design: Observational cross sectional study Setting: Emergency and out patient department of South Surgical Ward, Mayo Hospital Lahore. Period: Six months (1st June to 30th November 2004) . Material and methods: 51 patients with diabetes mellitus presenting, it included all the patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus presenting with surgical complications relating to their diabetes. All other patients who were normoglycemic or known diabetics without any surgical complications were excluded. Patients presenting with ulcerations on foot and legs were classified on the basis of Wegners classification. Results: Out of 51 patients, 43.1%( 22) had a diagnosis of diabetic foot, 33.3%( 17) had an abscess and 23.5%( 12) had an abscess. According to the Wagener`s classification*. Class 2 was most common at presentation 34.8% and 23.5% of the patients presenting with diabetic foot had to undergo an amputation thus suffering from a permanent disability. Conclusion: Good surgical debridement and proper use of antibiotics is required as well as good glycemic control for early and safe recovery.

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