What is Gangrene?

Gangrene is the death of an organ or body tissue. When the blood supply is cut off, the tissue doesn't get enough oxygen and begins to die. If the gangrene is widespread, shock can occur.

There are three main types:

• Dry gangrene-lack of blood supply causes the tissue to dry up and slough off
• Wet gangrene-usually occurs when the tissue is infected with bacteria, tissue becomes moist and breaks down
• Gas gangrene-a particular type of bacteria ( Clostridia ) produces gas bubbles in the tissue