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Amputation Surgery: Before and After

Enes AltunEnes Altun Updated on

Amputation surgery is the surgical removal of part or all of a person’s arm or leg for various reasons. Individuals undergoing this type of surgery should consider several important steps before and after the procedure. However, let’s explain why a person might have their arm or leg amputated in bullet points.

amputasyon ameliyatı öncesi
Amputation Surgery Pre-Procedure

Why Is Amputation Surgery Performed?

Amputation surgery is typically performed due to a severe injury, illness, work accident, or congenital condition. The reasons for amputation may include:

  1. Trauma: Serious injuries resulting from accidents can lead to the cessation of blood flow to the limbs or extensive tissue damage. In such cases, if there is no chance of the limb healing properly, amputation may be necessary.
  2. Circulatory Disorders: Chronic circulatory disorders, especially peripheral artery disease developed due to conditions like diabetes, can impede the limbs from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to tissue death (necrosis) and infections, which may necessitate amputation.
  3. Canser: Bone or soft tissue cancers can endanger the health of the limb. If they do not respond to treatment or have metastasized, amputation surgery may be an option.
  4. Infections: Conditions like deep infections or gangrene can hinder the tissues from healing properly. If there’s no response to treatment or to prevent the spread of infection, amputation may be necessary.
  5. Congenital Anomalies: Some conditions present at birth may require amputation due to abnormalities in limb development.
Amputation Surgery Due to Gangrene

What is Amputation Surgery?

Amputation surgery is the process of removing a limb, typically due to an accident or health issues. This surgery may be performed to improve quality of life or to reduce life-threatening risks.

Amputasyon Ameliyatı Esnası
During Amputation Surgery

Before the surgery, it is important to inform the patient about the process and to clarify their expectations. After the surgery, proper care and rehabilitation of the patient are of great importance.

  • Before the surgery, it is important to ensure that the patient is properly informed.
  • After the surgery, detailed information should be provided regarding wound care and the risk of infection
  • The patient should be educated about prosthetic usage, and appropriate prosthetic selection should be made.

Before Amputation Surgery

Firstly, before the surgery, your doctor will explain the details of the procedure and provide you with necessary information. After the surgery, wound care is crucial. To prevent wound infections and expedite healing, it is essential to meticulously follow the care methods recommended by your doctor.

Preparation for Amputation Surgery

After Amputation Surgery

After an amputation surgery, patients often prefer to use a prosthesis in place of their missing limb. Using a prosthesis that is tailored to your amputated limb can help you lead a more comfortable daily life. At Luxmed Prosthetics Clinic, we offer the opportunity to provide you with the most suitable prosthesis using expert teams and modern technology. Our clinic provides personalized support for the proper adjustment and use of your prosthesis.

After Amputation Surgery

Prosthetic Leg After Amputation Surgery

Additionally, post-amputation prosthetic application is also important. Fitting the appropriate prosthesis to the amputated limb can enhance the patient’s quality of life and assist them in maintaining their daily activities. Detailed education should be provided to the patient regarding prosthesis usage, and necessary adjustments should be made.

Prosthetic Leg After Amputation Surgery

Our Luxmed Prosthetics Clinic provides high-quality, personalized prosthetics to patients in need. We offer the necessary support and education to our patients to ensure they can use their prosthetics effectively. At Luxmed Prosthetics Clinic, patients can personalize their prosthetics and experience comfortable usage.

Rehabilitation After Amputation

The rehabilitation process after amputation surgery is also crucial. Physiotherapy sessions, prosthetic usage training, and psychological support are factors that support your recovery process. By following your doctor’s recommendations during this process, you can undergo a healthy recovery and resume your daily activities seamlessly.

Rehabilitation Support for Prosthesis Users

What are the Levels of Amputation

The levels of amputation are terms used to identify the location where a limb is severed in the body. The levels of amputation are as follows:

  1. Transtibial Amputation (Below-Knee Amputation): The leg is severed below the knee. The knee joint is preserved and can be supported with a prosthesis.
  2. Transfemoral Amputation (Above-Knee Amputation): The leg is severed above the knee. This type of amputation can result in more significant loss of mobility and may make prosthetic use more challenging.
  3. Transradial Amputation (Below-Elbow Amputation): The arm is severed below the elbow. This level of amputation preserves the elbow joint and may provide better functional outcomes for prosthetic use.
  4. Transhumeral Amputation (Above-Elbow Amputation): The arm is severed above the elbow. In this level of amputation, the elbow joint is not preserved, making prosthetic use more challenging.
  5. Hand or Wrist Amputation: This refers to the severing of the hand at the wrist level or below. These amputations require particular attention, especially concerning the functionality and aesthetics of the hand.

These amputation levels are important for post-amputation rehabilitation and prosthesis selection, and are used in treatment planning according to individual needs.

Post-Amputation Surgery Care

The proper care of the patient after amputation surgery is vital. During this process, there are several important steps that the patient should be aware of if their leg or arm is to be amputated. Firstly, post-operative wound care is crucial. Regular dressing changes should be performed to expedite wound healing and reduce the risk of infection.

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FAQ

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During amputation surgery, patients are typically administered anesthesia, so they do not feel pain during the procedure. However, some pain and discomfort may be experienced during the normal healing process after the surgery.

The use of a prosthesis can help improve the patient’s quality of life and assist them in maintaining their daily activities, but it is not mandatory. The decision to use a prosthesis is determined based on the patient’s preferences and needs.

The duration of the rehabilitation process after amputation can vary depending on the patient’s condition, the type of surgery, and the rate of recovery. Typically, the rehabilitation process can last from several weeks to several months.

Below-knee amputation surgery typically takes about 2 hours. More complex amputations may take between 3 to 5 hours. It is important to consult with your surgeon or healthcare professional for more precise information about the duration of the surgery.

The term “Lisfranc amputation” refers to the amputation of the Lisfranc joint or the Lisfranc region. The Lisfranc joint is the connection point between the metatarsal bones (bones of the toes) and the tarsal bones (bones of the midfoot) of the foot. This region is an important structure that provides stability and balance to the foot.

Lisfranc amputation may be necessary following severe foot injuries. Such injuries typically result from accidents, sports injuries, or trauma. In cases of fractures, dislocations, or other serious damage to the Lisfranc joint, doctors may consider Lisfranc amputation as a treatment option that may be required.

  • Shoulder-level amputation: The arm is severed at the shoulder level.
  • Elbow-level amputation: The arm is severed at the elbow level.
  • Forearm-level amputation: The arm is severed at the wrist level.
  • Wrist-level amputation: The arm is severed at the wrist level.
  • Transtibial Amputation (Below-Knee Amputation): The leg is severed below the knee. In this level of amputation, the knee cap is preserved, and generally, a better fit for a prosthesis can be achieved.
  • Transfemoral Amputation (Above-Knee Amputation): The leg is severed above the knee. This level of amputation can result in more functional loss and may make prosthetic use more challenging.
  • Transtrochanteric Amputation: The femur (thigh bone) is severed at the trochanter (elevation) level. This level of amputation involves the hip joint and a significant portion of the femur.
  • Hemipelvectomy: In this level, half or more of the pelvis is removed. This may be necessary due to severe trauma, cancer, or other diseases.
  • Partial Foot Amputation: The foot is partially severed, typically involving part of or the front portion of the toes. This type of amputation may be required for conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers.
  • Phantom pain: Sensation of the presence and pain in the amputated limb. This arises from the nerves producing hallucinations after amputation.
  • Wound healing issues: Problems during the wound healing process such as infection, wound dehiscence, or tissue necrosis in the wound bed.
  • Hematoma: Accumulation of blood in the amputation site. Large hematomas can increase pressure under the skin and delay healing.
  • Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of veins or formation of blood clots after amputation.
  • Stump (residual limb) pain: Pain in the stump area during movement, pressure, or prosthetic use.
  • Stump swelling (edema): Accumulation of fluid in the amputation site, typically occurring within the first few days after surgery.
  • Prosthetic fitting issues: Problems such as poor fit, discomfort, or causing sores with the prosthetic.
  • Stump skin problems: Friction, pressure, or poor prosthetic fit can lead to skin irritation, wound formation, or callus development.
  • Psychological effects: Post-amputation depression, anxiety, or emotional difficulties may occur.

Infection after amputation is a postoperative risk that can lead to serious complications. Infections typically occur in or around the amputated area during or after surgery. These infections may include:

  1. Wound infections: Bacterial infection can develop in the wound of the amputated area during or after surgery. These infections may present with symptoms such as redness, swelling, increased warmth, and pus.
  2. Deep tissue infections: Infections affecting the deep tissues of the amputated area may occur. These infections often result in more severe symptoms and can spread if left untreated.
  3. Necrotizing soft tissue infection (Flesh-eating bacteria): These types of infections can rapidly destroy tissues in the amputated area, leading to severe tissue damage.
  4. Sepsis: The spread of infection after amputation and systemic inflammation of the body can result in a septic condition. This is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical intervention.

To reduce the risk of infection after amputation, it is important to take appropriate hygiene and sterilization measures during surgery. In the postoperative period, regular monitoring of the amputation site, ensuring hygienic care, and the use of antibiotics when necessary can help reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, maintaining the patient’s overall health and strengthening the immune system can also reduce the risk of infection.

Syme amputation is a surgical procedure performed between the ankle and the middle part of the foot. During this operation, the lower part of the ankle joint (talus) and the heel bone (calcaneus) are retained, while the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) are severed and the front part of the foot is removed.

Syme amputation is used as a treatment option for conditions where there is significant damage to or deformity of the ankle. Especially in cases where it is not possible to preserve the foot due to severe injuries, tumors, or infections, Syme amputation may be considered.

Enes Altun

Orthesis and Prosthesis Specialist
Enes Ammar Altun is one of the founding partners of Luxmed Prosthetics. Altun, who has specialised in the field of orthotics and prosthetics since 2010, has performed successful applications for hundreds of patients and still continues his work in this field..

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