Amputation is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a limb, such as a leg or arm, or part of a limb, such as a toe, finger, foot, or hand, due to injury, disease, infection, or surgery. The most frequently performed type of amputation procedure is the removal of the leg above or below the knee.
Purpose/Benefits
The purpose of this procedure is to manage pain or a disease in the affected limb, such as malignancy or gangrene. In certain cases, it may be performed as a preventative surgery to address these issues before they arise.
Indications
- Poor circulation caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can lead to the narrowing or damage of arteries, resulting in the amputation of limbs. This disease most commonly affects patients aged 50 to 75 who have diabetes or atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates inside the artery wall. Restricted blood flow to the limbs can cause tissue death.
- Traumatic injuries, such as severe burns or accidents, can also lead to amputation.
- Amputation may be necessary if there is a cancerous tumor in a limb.
- Acute or chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotics or removal of dead or damaged tissue (debridement) can also result in amputation.
- Neuroma, which is the thickening of nerve tissue that may occur in various parts of the body, could also lead to amputation.
- Arterial blockage
Likelihood of Success
The success of the procedure is influenced by several factors and the quality of post-procedure care. It's important to discuss the probability of success with your doctor prior to having the procedure.
What if this procedure is not performed?
If a doctor recommends an amputation and you choose not to have the procedure, your affected tissue will die or your cancer may spread, potentially leading to serious complications that could threaten your life.
Other options
Amputation is typically considered a last resort, with no alternatives available to this procedure.
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