The prevalence and common indications of diabetic related amputations at University Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Amputation of a limb is always distressing and the consequence of the loss can be devastating. While it is true that people with diabetes have a higher statistical risk of amputation, it is largely a preventable fate. Almost 75% of diabetic-foot related amputations are preventable. Unlike developed countries where data on the incidence of amputations can be obtained relatively easily, these cases are unknown in most of developing countries, which record high prevalence of diabetes.
The main objective of this study was to determine the rate and common indications of diabetic related amputations at University Teaching Hospital (UTH) from January 2013 to December 2014.Methodology: This study was a retrospective, descriptive study and quantitative in nature, ll was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), General surgical wards G-block. A convenient sampling method was used and the sample size comprised 53 records of patients who underwent diabetic related amputations in the years 2013 and 2014. Data was collected using a checklist.Results: Out of 53 medical records that were reviewed, the commonest indication for diabetic related amputations was gangrene with the proportion of 49.1% (n 26).The prevalent age group 28.3% (n:; 15) was that belonging to the category 61-70 years of age. followed by 26.4% (n 14) was of the range 71-80 years. Data showed that most patients 56.6% (n 30) were males. Most of the patients were from medium density residential locations 35.8% (n-19), followed by high density locations (32.1%). Below knee amputations were more common with 47% of the patients (n- 25) and the least was above knee amputations 15% (n 8). Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic related amputation was 12% with gangrene being the most common cause. In this study it was noted that 1 in every 8 amputations at UTH is diabetic related. If this information is confirmed in other parts of Zambia, it will offer health care workers and other stake holders the chance to come up with interventions that will help reduce the rate of diabetic foot complications and minimize chances of lower limb amputations.
Key terms: Prevalence, indications. Level, Diabetes, Amputation