What are the treatment options for thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) (Buerger disease)?

Samuel 1

Ev

@sarkarsatarupa Except for absolute tobacco avoidance, no forms of therapy are definitive for thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO; also known as Buerger disease). There is some support for a few pharmacologic approaches, but for the most part, such approaches are ineffective. Surgical revascularization usually is not feasible, because of the lack of a distal target for revascularization. Endovascular options for treatment of occlusive lesions are growing in popularity. Patients may require one or more amputations.

Indications for hospital admission include the following:

Surgery
Parenteral pharmacologic treatment of infection or pain that is refractory to oral medical therapy
Intensive behavioral modification therapy for patients unable to achieve smoking cessation at home
No dietary restrictions are needed; diet has not been shown to affect the course of the disease. Cardiovascular exercise should be encouraged, restricted only by symptoms.

In the long term, outpatient management is generally appropriate for patients with TAO. Such management should include frequent follow-up examination by a physician or wound-care specialist.