Hemoglobin and hematocrit as risk factors in below-the-knee amputation for incipient gangrene.

The relationship between complication rate and preoperative levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit was investigated in 186 consecutive below-the-knee amputations for incipient gangrene. Arteriosclerotic amputations had successively higher rates of wound complications and reamputation with increasing hemoglobin and hematocrit. No such association was found among diabetics. Thus, hemoglobin greater than or equal to 7.0 mmol/l and hematocrit greater than or equal to 40 were significant preoperative risk factors in below-the-knee amputation for arteriosclerotic incipient gangrene.