Staff Reporter
Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital has become a national and international reference centre in the treatment of diabetic foot, a serious complication of diabetes that, if left untreated or undiagnosed, can lead to life-threatening consequences, including limb amputation.
According to the Spanish Diabetes Society, nearly 15% of the population—1 in 7 people—is affected by diabetes. Diabetic foot is one of the most severe complications, often caused by nerve damage, reduced blood flow due to arterial blockages, and persistent infections.
“Diabetic foot ulcers often go unnoticed due to the lack of pain but can become extremely difficult to heal,” explains Dr Fernando Gallardo, Head of the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Department at Quirónsalud Marbella. “If not treated in time, these infections can progress internally, leading to septic shock and endangering the patient’s life.”
Dr Gallardo emphasises the importance of daily foot care, proper hygiene routines, and strict blood sugar control to prevent complications. In more advanced cases, vascular surgery plays a critical role in recovery. “Revascularisation procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, or surgical bypasses are delivering exceptional outcomes in restoring blood flow and avoiding amputations,” he says.
Thanks to its commitment to innovation and patient care, Quirónsalud Marbella has launched the internationally recognised **“Marbella Limb Salvage Academy – Stop Amputations”**, led by Dr Mariano Palena. This pioneering programme has significantly reduced the number of amputations due to diabetic foot, offering patients limb salvage and functional recovery even in complex cases.
The hospital has become a training hub for specialists from across Spain and abroad, who visit regularly to learn about advanced techniques such as **infrapopliteal angioplasties and interventions on distal arteries of the foot**.
“Most amputations could be prevented with timely diagnosis and specialised treatment,” concludes Dr Gallardo.
About Quirónsalud
Quirónsalud is the leading private healthcare group in Spain and a major player in Europe through its parent company Fresenius-Helios. With over 50,000 professionals across 180 centres—including 57 hospitals and more than 8,000 hospital beds—the group is present in Spain and Latin America. It is recognised for its cutting-edge technology, top-tier medical staff, and commitment to research and education. Ten of its hospitals are university-affiliated, and the group actively conducts pioneering medical-scientific research across specialties such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, and neurology.
In Andalusia, Quirónsalud operates seven hospitals—in Málaga, Marbella, Los Barrios (Cádiz), two in Seville, Córdoba, and Huelva—along with 18 medical and diagnostic centres and a surgical day hospital, making it the private healthcare leader in the region.
For more information, please visit www.quironsalud.com/marbella or call
+34 952 774 200
