Medically reviewed by Mae Charisse Antalan, MD · General Practitioner
Amputation is the removal of a specific part of a limb from surgery, injury, or disease. Doctors consider this a major surgery. Surgeons will perform the procedure while the patient is under general or epidural anesthesia. What are amputation causes, or reasons for amputation? This procedure is sometimes needed for the body to improve its current condition. Amputation is the last resort following accidents or diseases. It is permanent and can be life-changing for the patient and his or her family.
Most of amputations performed are due to vascular diseases such as diabetes. Another cause may be severe trauma from injuries which may be a result of accidents.
There are 2 common types of amputation, which are:
Upper limb amputation includes the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Lower limb amputation includes the hips, knees, ankles, feet, and toes.
There are corresponding levels as to how the limbs are amputated. The level of amputation depends on how much of a limb can still be saved given the patient’s current condition. It considers the benefits for the amputee once the operation has been completed.
The levels indicate how much will be removed from the specific body part. For example, amputations in the knees may be below, through, or above the knee.
Amputations are the last option to improve the condition of the patient. Here are some amputation causes, or reasons why doctors may recommend amputation:
Before going through the operation, doctors will exhaust all other options.
After surgery, patients must also undergo rehabilitation. This includes learning how they will be able to live his or her life after the surgery. Being an amputee is both a physical and emotional experience and can alter a person’s life moving forward.
Complications that may arise from amputation include:
It is also important to understand that there is a psychological effect in going through amputation. It may arise from trauma from injuries or the medical condition which required the procedure. Some patients undergo depression and anxiety as amputation changes how you do your everyday life. Whether it is physical or emotional stress that you are experiencing, consult your doctor so they can help you to get through with it.
Amputation is a life-changing major operation where surgeons remove a specific part of the body. Some causes for amputation include severe trauma, infections, and diseases resulting from the death of body tissue. Going through with it is an emotional and physical experience for the person, as the operation will result in a different way of living. Knowing what goes on with amputation enables us to be more understanding of other people going through it and make better decisions in the future.
Learn about Medical Procedures and Surgeries here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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