The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 22 million Americans have diabetes, and complications from diabetes are the leading cause of amputation. That’s why Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center recently opened the Amputation Prevention Center ® and Wound Care at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center.
The Amputation Prevention Center® and Wound Care includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, a team of highly-specialized affiliated physicians and surgeons, comprehensive wound care, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and state-of-the-art technologies and equipment needed to heal wounds and prevent amputation.
“The Amputation Prevention Center changes the way we treat limb-threatening conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers,” said Dean Chauvin, M.D., Medical Director for the Amputation Prevention Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City. “This program will offer patients an alternative to amputation while ensuring that our hospital continues to set the benchmark for patient-centered care.”
Diabetes leads to numbness in the feet called neuropathy, which increases the risk of foot ulcers. Left untreated, foot ulcers and related infections may lead to amputation. Diabetes can also lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can cause poor blood flow and also impact your body’s ability to heal wounds. Those with neuropathy or PAD should be mindful of any sores or ulcers, and speak with a physician if they notice a slow healing process.
"Being told that you may lose a limb is life-altering. We hope patients will take a proactive approach to their heath and come to us at the first sign of a wound that’s not improving. With our center’s extensive knowledge and clinical leadership in limb salvage, we have a variety of methods to try and help a patient avoid amputation," said Dr. Chauvin.
The Amputation Prevention Center ® and Wound Care at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about preventing amputations or to schedule an appointment, call 713-242-4325 or use Schedule Now.