2026/10/05 12:07
Zhang Yaozhong, director of the vascular surgery department of Fengyuan Hospital, said that people with diabetes, long-term smokers and cardiovascular diseases should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience sore legs after walking for a certain distance, cold feet or skin color changes, wounds that have not improved for more than two weeks, or toes that gradually turn black, etc. (Provided by Fengyuan Hospital)
[Reporter Ou Sumei/Taichung Report] A 71-year-old man surnamed Liu had his left leg amputated below the knee due to vascular disease, and four toes on his right foot were also amputated, leaving only the big toe. The only remaining right leg was due to severe blockage of many important blood vessels from the thigh to the knee, which caused the foot wound to be delayed in healing. Facing an amputation crisis, he rushed to the Vascular Surgery Department of Fengyuan Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare for medical treatment. The medical team performed a 5-hour lower limb arterial bypass surgery to re-establish blood flow. After the operation, the wound on the right foot returned to redness, and the "last leg" was saved.
Zhang Yaozhong, director of the vascular surgery department of Fengyuan Hospital, said that Liu Weng had suffered from diabetes for many years and had a smoking history of 50 years. The main artery in his right thigh was blocked, and even the three main blood vessels supplying the foot below the knee were severely blocked, which meant that "the main road to the right foot was almost blocked." The medical team performed an arterial bypass procedure. The surgery was like opening up another path to allow the blood to bypass the blockage and flow back to the feet. The diameter of the blood vessels to be anastomosed was only about 0.1 centimeters, and the suturing was difficult. It took about 5 hours to complete the vascular reconstruction. After the operation, the blood flow in the legs was restored. Liu was successfully discharged from the hospital 10 days later, and was provided with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and continuous outpatient follow-up.
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Zhang Yaozhong pointed out that the five-year mortality rate for patients who undergo major amputations such as below the knee due to chronic arterial obstruction is about 40% to 70%. Such patients are often accompanied by systemic arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease or renal insufficiency. In particular, Mr. Liu’s left leg has been amputated, leaving only the big toe on his right foot. If he loses his right leg again, his mobility and ability to take care of himself will be significantly affected. Therefore, the treatment is not only about opening up the blood vessels, but also hoping to preserve the patient’s limbs and life functions.
Zhang Yaozhong pointed out that for diseases such as peripheral arterial obstruction and diabetic foot combined with ischemia, Fengyuan Hospital can find the location of the obstruction through vascular ultrasound and angiography, and then evaluate arterial bypass surgery and other treatments according to the condition. From examination, evaluation to surgery, all can be completed in the hospital. The relevant treatment is paid according to the national health insurance regulations, allowing patients in central mountainous areas to receive treatment nearby and seize the opportunity to save limbs.
Zhang Yaozhong reminded the public that foot injuries never heal. Sometimes it is not just the wound, but also "the blood cannot be sent to the foot." People with diabetes, long-term smokers, and those with cardiovascular disease who experience leg pain after walking for a short distance, cold feet, or changes in skin color, or if the wound does not improve for more than two weeks, or the toes gradually turn black, etc. should seek medical attention as soon as possible to evaluate the vascular condition to prevent small wounds from worsening to toe amputation or even amputation.
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