[Amputation of the lower extremities for non-traumatic causes in Slovakia in 1995]

The authors submit a questionnaire-based epidemiological study from 61 surgical departments in Slovakia, focused on the problem of amputation of the lower extremities. The objective of the study was to evaluate indirectly the standard of care of diabetic feet in Slovakia. In the study 61 surgical departments participated with a catchment area comprising 4,814,000 insured persons, i.e. 85% of the Slovak population. In these patients a total of 2116 amputations on account of non-traumatic causes were performed (44/100000 population). This number included 1578 diabetic patients (74.6%). Minor amputations were performed 1044 times, incl. 92.2% in diabetic subjects. Major amputations were made 1072 times, incl. 57.3% in diabetics. The prevalence of major amputations in 1995 was 21.8/100000 population. The authors recorded a 2.65 fold increase of the total number of amputations since 1985. They recorded dissatisfaction with the small number of revascularization operations-total 294 (13.9%) which is only one quarter of the desirable number. The authors submit their study as the basis for a systemic solution of care of the diabetic foot in Slovakia and as a challenge for its improvement.