Gangrene is a condition that encourages the death of tissue cells. The most affected tissues are usually on the feet and arms. During the Civil War, Gangrene was very common due to poor treatment, thus, infection of battle wounds. Hygiene was not given much concern during the Civil war. Doctors did not stress the importance of cleanliness and they did not embrace hygiene practices. Due to this, many of the wounded soldiers developed infections, which later developed Gangrene.
Biologically, Gangrene occurs when a part of the body receives minimal blood supply, resulting in the death of cells. During the Civil War, the doctors did not have much information on how to treat Gangrene. Many advised their patients to have that part of the body amputated. However, due to science and development, the treatment of Gangrene has evolved. Doctors are now able to restore circulation to the affected part. The body will then naturally generate new cells that will replace the dead ones. In severe cases, the part that is affected can be amputated. The decision to either amputate or restore depends on several issues. For instance, the location and the severity of the infection can be used to determine whether a part of the body will be removed. If the infection is severe and located in the arm, then the likelihood of the arm being amputated is high. However, if the infection is on the chest, and it is severe, the doctors will just have to do everything possible to restore the cells in that part.