Amputation refers to the removal of a part of the body or a limb
Amputation may be necessary due to severe infections resistant to treatment, accidents, congenital or acquired deformities, frostbite, malignant tumors, diabetes, or gangrene caused by bites. However, the most common cause is progressive vascular disease.
The purpose of amputating a damaged (necrotic or gangrenous) limb is to preserve the remaining healthy parts of the body. Diagnostic tests such as angiography or Doppler ultrasound can help determine the appropriate level of amputation.
After surgery, the patient remains under medical supervision in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. Elderly individuals or patients with additional health conditions may require a longer stay. The main objectives of this recovery period include:
Infection may occur after any amputation surgery.
The stump is the remaining part of the amputated limb.
To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), patients may be prescribed anticoagulant medications as per the doctor’s recommendation.
Some patients continue to feel the presence of the missing limb, and in some cases, they may experience severe pain in the absent limb (phantom limb pain).
The type of wound care depends on the level of amputation:
Below-Knee Amputation:
Upper Limb Amputation:
✅ Use crutches or a walker for mobility.
✅ Follow a high-protein diet.
✅ Drink plenty of fluids.
✅ Keep the stump elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
✅ Consider psychological counseling if needed.
✅ Change dressings daily.
✅ Report bleeding, fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge immediately.