India a diabetes capital: 5% patients 'may undergo amputation' of leg if not treated properly

MOHALI: India is the diabetes capital of the world and 8 to 10 per cent of diabetic patients develop foot problems. Around five per cent of the patients have to undergo amputation of he leg if they are not treated properly.

Dr Ravul Jindal, Director – Vascular Surgery in Fortis Mohali, conducted “Infra Popliteal Angioplasty Course” to train doctors on how to prevent amputation. 10 consultants attended the meeting from India and Iraq. The focus of the training was ballooning of arteries in patients with a diabetic foot to restore blood supply, which requires finesse and technique.

“Amputation is a big burden, not just on the patient, but also for the society in terms of social as well as an economic burden”, said Dr Jindal, while sharing the information.

Saving a foot is difficult because there are not enough trained doctors and centres are there which can provide treatment such as infra-popliteal angioplasty, Carbon dioxide guided angioplasty, retrograde punctures and post-operation ICU care.

He added, five cases were operated upon as a part of the course. Four patients were from Punjab and one from Haryana. All 5 cases were successful and patients are doing well. Speaking about recovery he said, a patient is admitted for one day and discharged the next day after the procedure. Follow up is done after one week.

“I have benefitted greatly from the training courses,’’ said Dr Bassam, Vascular Surgeon, Baghdad, Iraq.