Addressing psychosocial aspects of care for patients with diabetes undergoing limb salvage surgery

Surgeons provide a key role in improving the life of patients with diabetes-related foot complications who undergo limb salvage surgery as an alternative to amputation. An integrated multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve the emotional well-being of these patients to avoid potential complications that may prolong their convalescence and further degrade their psychosocial welfare. The authors attempt to increase awareness of critical preoperative risk factors that should be obtained by a thorough comprehensive psychosocial evaluation. In addition, this article discusses how to interact with the patient and his or her family throughout the perioperative period, assisting the patient in managing psychosocially and increasing the likelihood of an optimal outcome.