Evolving Indications for Lower Limb Amputations in South Africa Offer Opportunities for Health System Improvement.

backgroundRapid urbanization and westernization have precipitated dramatic changes in the profile and prevalence of surgical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Disease of lifestyle is now common. We aimed to review our experience with lower-limb amputations at our surgical service in South Africa.

methodsA single-center retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed of all patients who underwent a lower limb amputation. Inferential and descriptive statistics were performed. Patient demographics, indication, type of amputation, and management were reviewed. The primary outcome was 30-day in-patient mortality rate.

resultsOver a 5-year period (2013-2018), 348 patients underwent lower limb amputations. The median age was 61.5 years. 53.7% were diabetic and 56.3% were hypertensive. 53.2% had associated peripheral vascular disease and 8% preexisting cardiac disease. 30.7% smoked. Guillotine below-knee amputation was frequently performed (44.5% of amputations). 16.1% of these patients required a further operation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 8%. Underlying renal disease was an independent risk factor for mortality (p = 0.004).

conclusionCurrently, the most common indications for LLA in South Africa are diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. This reflects the changing pattern of disease in the country. There is a major problem with access to health care in rural areas in South Africa with significant delays in getting patients to tertiary units for evaluation by specialists. Foot care and prevention at a primary health care level is also lacking. Global improvements in the healthcare system are needed to improve LLA rates in South Africa.