[Freezing an acutely necrotized extremity for the purpose of preparing the patient for amputation]

102 patients of a high operative risk were prepared for amputation of a lower extremity with acute ischemic gangrene by its freezing and tourniquet application. A special portable freezing chamber was used in most cases which could be installed in any surgical hospital. The refrigeration ranged from 18 hours to 14 days. Purposeful intensive treatment of all disorders suffered by the patient was conducted at the same time. In 92 patients the condition improved and the extremity was amputated. As compared to the control group, the postoperative mortality due to refrigeration reduced from 41 to 18.4%. The method was found to be highly effective in cases with gangrene and diabetes mellitus.