Amputation
How amputations are carried out
Amputations can be carried outunder general anaesthetic (where you're unconscious)or using an epidural anaesthetic (which numbs the lower half of the body).
Once the limb has been removed, a number of additional techniques can be used to help improve the function of the remaining limb and reduce the risk of complications.
These include shortening and smoothing the bone in your remaining limb so it's covered by an adequate amount of soft tissue and muscle, and stitching the remaining muscle to the bones to help strengthen your remaining limb (a technique known as myodesis).
After the amputation, your wound will be sealed with stitches or surgical staples. It will be covered with a bandage and a tube may be placed under your skin to drain away any excess fluid. The bandage will usually need to be kept in place for a few days to reduce the risk of infection.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Information about amputation, including why and how it's carried out, recovery and rehabilitation, prosthetics, stump care and possible complications.
Why amputation may be needed
An amputation may be needed if: you have a severe infection in your limb your limb has been affected by gangrene (often as a result of peripheral arterial disease) there's serious trauma to your
Assessment beforesurgery
Unless you need to have anemergency amputation, you'll be fully assessed before surgery to identify themost suitable type of amputation and any factors that may affect your rehabilitation. The assess
How amputations are carried out
Amputations can be carried outunder general anaesthetic (where you're unconscious)or using an epidural anaesthetic (which numbs the lower half of the body). Once the limb has been removed, a number o
Recovering after an amputation
After surgery, you'll usually be given oxygen through a mask and fluids through a drip for the first few days while you recover on the ward. A small flexible tube (a urinary catheter ) may be placed
Prosthetics
After an amputation, you may be able to have a prosthetic limb fitted. Prosthetic limbs aren't suitable for everyone who's had an amputation because an extensive course of physiotherapy and rehabili
Stump care
It's very important to keep the skin on the surface of your stump clean to reduce the risk of it becoming irritated or infected. Gently wash your stump at least once a day (more frequently in hot wea
Psychological impact of amputation
The loss of a limb can have a considerable psychological impact. Many people who've had an amputation report feeling emotions such as grief and bereavement, similar to experiencing the death of a love
Help and support
Being told you need to have a limb amputated can be a devastating and frightening experience. Adjusting to life after an amputation can be challenging, but many people enjoy a good quality of life onc
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