-Dr. Raja Sabapathy, Director, Ganga Hospital
In any illness, detection and diagnosis at the early stage is very much essential for effective treatment. In diabetes induced foot infection, the chances of amputation arises due to the prolongation of consulting a doctor. We learned today that between the period 2013-2016, 1500 operations for diabetic foot were made in Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore.
Dr. Raja Sabapathy, Director, Ganga Hospital said, for a diabetic patient the awareness to visit doctors regarding their foot related complaints is slow and they only visit when they feel the pangs of the foot infection.
We know that the body of diabetic patients, especially their feet takes greater time than average people to heal from wounds. Diabetic patients start to develop numbness in their feet at one point of time. Any injury or formation of callus in foot (for diabetic patients) needs to be consulted with a doctor.
Dr.Raja Sabapathy conveyed that there are 4 main stages in diabetic foot: callus, ulcer, infection and gangrene. If the patients consult doctors in the early 2 stages, their foot can be saved but if they turn up at the last 2 stages, then it will create the necessity for amputation.
He said 77% come to hospital only at Level 3 and 4 while just 23% consult doctors at Level 1&2. “Earlier identification will require operation and the treatment will be cost-effective”, he emphasized.
Dr.Raja Sabapathy conveyed that prevention of diabetic foot amputation will be elaborated in the upcoming 17th Annual Conference of the “Diabetic Foot Society of India” (DFSICON 2019) that will be organized by Ganga Hospital from Aug 23- 25.
In the National Conference, Surgery for prevention of diabetic foot ulcers and its treatment will be demonstrated by live surgical workshop at Ganga Hospital. About 16 surgeries are planned to be demonstrated. In addition to live surgery, techniques of foot pressure measurements, choice of foot wear, and use of modern medications and their role will be discussed. The Ntl.Conf will be addressed by 11 International faculties and 500 delegates will participate.
The conf. will be inaugurated by Thulasiraj, Exec.Director, Aravinf Eye Care system, Madurai. The inauguration will be at Le Meridien on 24.8.2019 at 6.30 p.m.