INFORMATION FOR YOU

FROM FRANCISCAN HEALTH SYSTEM

Questions about these procedures should be referred to your doctor

Amputation, limb or digit

Overview
Amputation is the loss of a body partusually a finger, toe, arm or legthat occurs as the result of an accident or
a trauma. Limbs and digits are also amputated because of disease.
Most amputation surgeries are done because the arteries of the legs are blocked due to hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis). This means that there isnt enough blood flow to keep the leg alive. Diabetes causes hardening
of the arteries and smoking may contribute to this process as well.
Preparation before the procedure
You may be admitted for one to two days before your surgery so that tests can be done. You may have an x-ray
of the arteries (arteriogram) that will show the health of your arteries and a chest x-ray. You will have blood tests,
too.
When you come to the hospital bring a list of all of your medications. Your surgeon will visit you and so will the
anesthesiologists. This is a good time to ask questions and share concerns.
Before the surgery your surgeon may know at what level of amputation is required meaning whether the surgery
is minor or major. Usually, minor amputation means part of a foot or a digit while major amputation involves
removal of a leg, either above or below the knee. Sometimes, however, the surgeon will have to make the
decision about what and where to amputate during the procedure.
A limited amputation may be performed in the hope of future healing. Sometimes this is the case but it cannot
always be predicted whether healing will occur and a more major amputation may later be required.
There are many emotional and psychological effects of an amputation. You may feel a sense of deep loss before
and after the procedure. It will take time to adjust to the physical changes in your life.
How is it done?
You may be given a sedative to help you relax. An IV may be started to ensure that you have fluid during the
surgery. General anesthesia will be administered so you will not be conscious during the procedure. A catheter
may be inserted to drain urine from your bladder. You will receive fluids from an IV inserted into a vein.
When a finger or toe is amputated, the wound isnt always closed with stitches. Sometimes the wound may be left
open so that healing can begin. It may look unsightly but it can be part of recovery to leave part of the wound
open. This may be the case when diabetes has caused the loss. Often a person can walk without aid after losing
toes.
Sometimes a foot may be surgically amputated with a cut through the ankle joint. Most amputations today are
done either above or below the knee joint. Ensuring the best blood flow to the tissue is a factor in where the
amputation is done. Healing cannot occur when there is a poor blood supply.
The goal will be to leave a stump that will work well with a prosthesis. In the case of a limb amputation you may
have swelling and a tube may be inserted to help drain the extra fluid. Eventually the remaining limb will be tightly
bound to help shape the remaining tissue so that a prosthesis will fit. Sometimes a clear plastic dressing will be

used so that your doctor can easily check healing, or a bandage or plaster cast may be used.
How will it feel?
You will have general anesthesia for this surgery, so you will not experience sensation during the procedure. After
the surgery, you will be given medication for pain.
What are the risks and benefits?
Amputation does carry risks, especially if you are elderly and have hardening of the arteries. There is the risk of:
Infection
Pressure sores
Contractures. This is when a joint gets stuck in one position.
Deep venous thrombosis (blood clots)
While losing a finger, toe, part or all of a limb is never desirable, amputation may be necessary to save your life,
prevent further debilitation, or prevent a whole body infection.
After the procedure
You will continue to receive fluids by IV with a major amputation. It is very common to have a lot of pain after the
surgery. This is because your tissues, bone, nerves and muscles have all been removed. Your pain will be
managed throughout your recovery so that you will be as comfortable as possible.
There may also be swelling in the remaining limb if you have had a leg amputation.
Phantom limb pain, the sensation of pain in the amputated limb, does happen in some patients but it is usually
mild and goes away after a month or two.
Your doctor will continue to work with you to ensure your recovery.

You can find directions to a Franciscan Health System facility

on the web at www.fhshealth.org or by calling 253.426.6577.