Can Cellulitis Surgery Be Performed For Diabetics ?

Posted on Wed, 10 Aug 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 Answered on

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Question : Hi, My Dad has been hospitalized for the last two weeks for various ailments like:
1. Acute Cellulitis (Doctors called it sepsis)
2. High Jaundice
3. High BP and high sugar
At this time 2 and 3 are controlled and the cellulitis on the leg is subsided. But doctors have said that he would need to undergo a surgery tomorrow as there are dead tissues. My question is how safe is to to go with surgery especially when my dad is diabetic

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (5 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Diabetes is not a contraindication for any surgery.

In case of cellulitis, the dead tissue and the debris accumulated needs a removal for better healing. The dead tissue will otherwise not allow the rest of the healthy area to heal. Once the dead tissue debris is removed, the healthy tissue will get oxygen, a good blood supply and also topical antibiotics which will help in faster recovery.

The extent of debridement needed can only be assessed clinically and the treating surgeon can do the best assessment. You should definitely go with your doctor's advise.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad