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Undergoing an amputation procedure

On Behalf of | Jun 17, 2022 | Blog, Injuries

If your doctor in New Jersey, or anywhere else, has recommended that you undergo an amputation, you likely have many concerns and questions. Preparing for an amputation includes understanding the process used for limb removal.

What is amputation?

In basic terms, amputation is the surgical removal of a limb. Amputation has a permanent impact on a patient’s life. Surgeons reserve amputation for cases of extreme trauma and long-term medical conditions. People with permanent damage after an accident can face amputation to halt the spread of infection.

A thorough examination

The first step will be a consultation with a surgeon who will assess the patient before the amputation procedure. The surgeon will check you are in good health without medical issues that can cause problems during surgery. An assessment of your healthy limbs is completed to make sure they can cope with any extra burden.

The amputation procedure

The choice of general or local anesthesia will be made during an assessment of your health. Surgeons remove all damaged tissue and crushed bones. The amputation process includes smoothing the edges of bones and sealing blood vessels. Sealing nerve endings can add to the pain felt by patients after surgery.

Recovering from amputation

Amputation remains a complex and scary procedure for patients. Your physical and mental well-being will be addressed by a team of therapists before and after the procedure. The rehabilitation program after amputation can be painful. Phantom pains are a long-term problem for many amputees.

Preparing for an amputation procedure can be traumatic. The road to recovery is long and requires physical and mental therapies.