General Information
DEFINITION--Removal of a limb or appendage.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Arms; legs; hands; feet; fingers; or toes.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--
Performed when blood circulation to a part of the body is irreversibly interrupted,
usually caused by one of the following:
- Injury to blood vessels that cannot be repaired or reconstructed. > Hardening of the
arteries. > Impaired blood circulation as a complication of diabetes mellitus. >
Buerger's disease. > Raynaud's phenomena. > Severe infection with gangrene. >
Obstructions in the arteries. > Severe frostbite.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Adults over 60.
- Smoking; obesity; stress.
- Poor nutrition.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Newborns and infants.
- Coronary artery disease.
- Disease that increases coagulability of blood.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; narcotics; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or orthopedic surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of part to be amputated.
- After surgery: Blood studies.
ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube
placed in the windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- An incision is made around the part to be amputated.
- Tissue, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and bone are severed.
- The bone is filed smooth, and the bone end is covered with connective tissue. Frequently
tubes are left in the wound to allow drainage.
- Muscles are closed with large sutures. The skin is closed with fine sutures, which are
left in place for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding, surgical-wound infection or muscle contractures (shortening of
muscles).
- Feelings that the limb is still there and hurts ("phantom limb").
- Pulmonary embolism.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2 to 7 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6
weeks for recovery from surgery. A physical rehabilitation program may be frustrating, but
it will lead to improved self-esteem and independence.
Postoperative Care
† Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve surgical--
wound pain, if your doctor approves.
- Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the surgical wound gently with mild unscented
soap.
† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
† To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 months after surgery. > Resume driving 5 weeks after
returning home, if able.
DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function again.
Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.
Call Your Doctor If
† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
- You experience new symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or constipation.
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