In brief: Gangrene is the death of body tissue, most often in the toes, feet or legs, caused by loss of blood supply, infection, or both. The main types are dry gangrene (from poor circulation) and wet gangrene (with infection — a medical emergency). With early treatment, controlling infection and especially restoring blood flow (revascularization), the limb can often be saved. It is closely linked to diabetic foot and peripheral artery disease. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Kalko provides this treatment in Turkey (Istanbul) and welcomes international and Gulf patients.
What Is Gangrene?
Gangrene occurs when tissue dies because it does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, or because of a serious infection. It most commonly affects the extremities (toes, feet, fingers) and is frequently seen in people with diabetes or advanced artery disease. Prompt evaluation is essential to save the affected limb.
Types of Gangrene
- Dry gangrene: caused by gradually reduced blood supply (ischemia); the tissue becomes dry, dark and shrunken, usually without major infection.
- Wet gangrene: involves infection; the area is swollen, moist and foul-smelling and can spread rapidly — a medical emergency.
- Gas gangrene: a rare, severe infection by gas-producing bacteria that requires urgent treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Peripheral artery disease (blocked leg arteries)
- Diabetes and diabetic foot
- Smoking
- Serious wound infections and injuries
- Severe frostbite or prolonged pressure
Treatment
Treatment is planned according to the cause and extent, and usually combines several steps:
- Controlling infection (antibiotics) and cleaning/removing dead tissue (debridement)
- Restoring blood flow (revascularization): balloon/stent, bypass or hybrid methods to reopen the arteries — the key to limb salvage
- Wound care and pressure relief
- Surgery limited to the affected area whenever possible; amputation is a last resort
The goal is always to save as much of the limb as possible by restoring circulation in time.
Prevention and Early Detection
- Daily foot checks, especially for people with diabetes
- Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol; stopping smoking
- Prompt care for any non-healing wound, redness or colour change
- Early vascular assessment when circulation is poor
In Istanbul
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Kalko evaluates circulation and plans limb-saving treatment — including revascularization — at his clinic in Istanbul (Beylikdüzü). Contact us for an appointment. International patients are welcome.
Related Pages
Why Choose Turkey (Istanbul) for Your Treatment?
- Over 30 years of experience in cardiovascular and vascular surgery.
- Advanced minimally invasive and hybrid techniques.
- English- and Arabic-speaking support for international and Gulf patients.
- Competitive costs and easy access to Istanbul from the Gulf, Europe and beyond.
- Pre-travel remote assessment, then treatment and appointment planning.
How to Start from Abroad (Remote Consultation)
You can send your medical reports and scan images via WhatsApp for an initial assessment before traveling. We then plan your treatment and appointment in Istanbul, Turkey, and support international patients at every step.
📋 This page is part of our Vascular Diseases guide. See the overview for other vascular conditions, symptoms and treatments in Turkey (Istanbul).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gangrene be treated without amputation?
Often yes, especially when blood flow is restored early. Controlling infection, wound care and revascularization can save the limb; amputation is a last resort.
What is the difference between dry and wet gangrene?
Dry gangrene results from poor blood supply and is drier and slower; wet gangrene involves infection, spreads faster and is a medical emergency.
Who is at risk of gangrene?
People with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, smokers, and those with serious wound infections are at higher risk.
Is gangrene an emergency?
Wet and gas gangrene are emergencies. Any rapidly spreading, foul-smelling or blackening wound needs urgent medical care.
Do you treat international patients?
Yes. We welcome international and Gulf patients in Turkey (Istanbul), with English- and Arabic-speaking support throughout assessment and treatment.
How can I book an appointment from abroad?
Via WhatsApp: send your inquiry and medical reports, and we will arrange your appointment and explain the steps before and after arriving in Istanbul.
How much does treatment cost?
Cost depends on your condition and the treatment plan. For an estimate, contact us via WhatsApp with your medical reports attached.
Can I have a consultation before traveling?
Yes. An initial remote assessment can be made based on your reports and scans before you come to Turkey.