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Amputation

Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a limb, such as a leg or arm, or part of a limb, such as a toe, finger, foot, or hand, as a result of injury, disease, infection, or surgery. Amputation of the leg, above and below the knee, is the most common type of amputation procedure performed.

Purpose/Benefits

The procedure is performed to control pain or a disease process in the affected limb, such as malignancy or gangrene. In some cases, it is carried out on individuals as a preventive surgery for such problems.

 

1.    Poor circulation caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which leads to the narrowing of or damage to arteries, is one of the most common reasons for amputation. Peripheral arterial disease most frequently occurs in patients between 50 to 75 years as a result of diabetes or atherosclerosis, where plaque collects inside the artery wall. When blood vessels are damaged and blood flow to the limbs is restricted, the tissue starts to die.

2.    Traumatic injury, such as a severe burn or accident.

3.    Cancerous tumor in a limb.

4.    Acute or chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotics or debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue).

5.    Neuroma, the thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body.

6.    Arterial blockage

The success of the procedure depends on a number of factors and post-procedure care. Please discuss the likelihood of success with your doctor before the procedure.

 

What if this procedure is not performed?

If an amputation is recommended and you choose not to undergo the procedure, your tissue will die or your cancer will metastasize, ultimately leading to life-threatening complications.

 

Amputation is often the last resort and there are often no alternatives to this procedure.

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