[Anaerobic gas gangrene after the amputation of an extremity]

During 30 years of practical work the authors observed 6 patients with anaerobic mephitic gangrene after amputation of the extremity for atherosclerotic (in 3 patients), diabetic (in 2 patients) and vast wounds of the foot. Among the most substantial noninfective causes of the development of anaerobic mephitic gangrene in the postoperative period there were continuous preoperative ischemia of the extremity against the background of a decreased level of haemoglobin, total protein, lymphocytes. An early operation and intensive complex specific and nonspecific therapy resulted in recovery of 3 patients.