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What Is The Prognosis For Untreated Gangrene In An Elderly Patient?
Question: I would like to know what is the maximum life expectancy of a 90 year old man, who in the past had multiple by pass surgery, had gangrene in his leg which requires amputation below the knee, but , being fully aware of his situation, has decided to end his days in his home (nursing home). The man suffers from diabetes and has had prostarte cancer 15 years ago
Brief Answer:
Prognosis of untreated gangrene is very poor with possible fatalities within hours to days rarely weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Gangrene is death of tissues that tent to spread to healthy tissues and also can spread infections in distance from the limb through the blood and cause even more generalized infection.
It is very difficult to say for sure how long a person with untreated gangrene will live but it is sure that the prognosis of untreated gangrene is very poor.
This would mean that death can happen in a few hours or days, very unlikely a person can survive beyond a couple of weeks. It would be a miracle if a patient survives up to a month with untreated gangrene.
The quality of life of the remaining days is another thing to take into account. The patient might experience extreme pain, fatigue, fever, general malaise and feeling unwell, etc.
It is the right of the patient to receive or refuse treatment but he has to be informed with the pros and cons of each of his decisions and the medical staff that takes care of him has to play a role to help him better decide.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Zotaj Antoneta, General & Family Physician
Prognosis of untreated gangrene is very poor with possible fatalities within hours to days rarely weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Gangrene is death of tissues that tent to spread to healthy tissues and also can spread infections in distance from the limb through the blood and cause even more generalized infection.
It is very difficult to say for sure how long a person with untreated gangrene will live but it is sure that the prognosis of untreated gangrene is very poor.
This would mean that death can happen in a few hours or days, very unlikely a person can survive beyond a couple of weeks. It would be a miracle if a patient survives up to a month with untreated gangrene.
The quality of life of the remaining days is another thing to take into account. The patient might experience extreme pain, fatigue, fever, general malaise and feeling unwell, etc.
It is the right of the patient to receive or refuse treatment but he has to be informed with the pros and cons of each of his decisions and the medical staff that takes care of him has to play a role to help him better decide.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Zotaj Antoneta, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
I do not have a follow up question, I just had to thank you for such a clear, precise and understanding answer. I now feel I am able to deal with the near future...we are talking about my dear father. Once again I than you ever so much.
Brief Answer:
I'm sorry to hear that it is your dad the one having these medical issues
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am so sorry to hear that this is a situation of a loved one. I understand this is a very difficult situation your dad and the rest of the family find themselves in.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Zotaj Antoneta, General & Family Physician
I'm sorry to hear that it is your dad the one having these medical issues
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am so sorry to hear that this is a situation of a loved one. I understand this is a very difficult situation your dad and the rest of the family find themselves in.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Zotaj Antoneta, General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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