Amputation of the leg below the knee: what is this operation, causes, Contraindications, how they do it, what after

Description amputation of his leg below the knee

The procedure is performed to remove the lower leg.

Indications for amputation of his leg below the knee

• Poor blood flow to the lower limbs;
• Bone cancer;
• Trauma;
• Severe infection.

Possible complications

If you plan to do an amputation, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Poor wound healing at the site of amputation, ending the need for a new amputation;
• The withering away of the skin;
• Infection;
• Reduced range of motion in the hip or knee;
• Phantom pain – feeling pain in amputated limbs;
• Phantom sensation – feeling, that the amputated limb is in place;
• Swelling cults;
• Bleeding;
• Reaction to anesthesia;
• Heart attack;
• The appearance of blood clots.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Poor circulation;
• Diabetes;
• Infection or open sores on the foot / feet;
• Still for a long time;
• Heart disease;
• Smoking or lung disease;
• Advanced age;
• The bad blood clotting.

How is the amputation of the leg?

Preparation for the procedure

Amputation may be planned in advance. It is necessary to discuss with your doctor the possible problems and complications. To move after surgery may need a prosthesis, walker, crutches, wheelchair, or combinations thereof.

Before surgery, your doctor may:

• Perform a visual inspection legs (check nerve impulses, temperature, appearance of the skin, as well as sensitivity to touch);
• Send to a therapist to discuss the emotional condition before surgery.

Before the surgery, you need to do the following:

• Be examined by a physiotherapist, who will prescribe the procedures for rehabilitation after surgery;
• Do not eat or drink for 8-12 hours before surgery;
• It may be necessary to stop taking certain medicines a week before surgery:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin);
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.

Anesthesia

Use general or local anesthesia. Anesthetic to general anesthesia is administered intravenously, the patient is asleep during surgery. Local anesthesia anaesthetises necessary part of the body. Are injected. Local anesthesia may be used in combination with sedatives.

Procedure leg amputation

After the start of the anesthesia doctor makes an incision of the skin below the knee. The muscles are separated from the blood vessels, are clamped to prevent bleeding. The special tool is separated bone. Muscles are crosslinked and thus form, that was formed by the stump. The nerve endings are separated and positioned so, so they do not hurt. Blood vessels are connected. Leather sewn on the muscles, formiryuschie stump. The stump can be inserted drains, to drain the blood during the first few days. On the stump is dressing and a compression bandage is applied.

Immediately after treatment

After surgery, the patient is sent to the recovery room, to monitor the vital parameters. When the condition is stabilized, the patient is transferred to the general hospital ward.

Duration of operation

The operation may take several hours. The duration will depend on the condition of the patient.

Will it hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. For pain relief after surgery appoint appropriate painkillers. There may be a phantom pain at the site of the amputated body. To cure them to see a doctor.

The time spent in hospital

From 5 to 15 days – depending on the possible complications.

Postoperative care after leg amputation

In the hospital

Following operations can be assigned to the following treatments:

• Antibiotics, to prevent infection;
• Training is dressing the place of amputation;
• Physiotherapist shows, how to stretch the hip and leg muscles, to maintain range of motion. Conducted training in the use of crutches, hodunkov, or wheelchair, until that time, It is not equipped with a prosthetic leg.

At the same time it can be as often as possible to move the stump. This will increase blood circulation and prevent contractures (limitation of movement of the joints).

Home Care

Houses need to do the following, to ensure the normal postoperative recovery:

• Using the help of family and friends;
• Regularly change the dressings on new, Sterile;
• Continue physical therapy, strengthen muscles, maintain range of motion and learn the use of prosthesis;
• Many people feel depressed after this operation. In this case, you may need a psychologist;
• Consult with your doctor about, what medicines to take home;
• You must check with your doctor, when it is safe to shower, bath, place or subject to water amputation.

It is necessary to go to the hospital in the following cases:

• Swelling cults;
• Poorly fitting dentures;
• Strong pain, does not pass, even after use of painkillers;
• Symptoms of infection, fever or chills;
• Redness, naʙuxanie, pain, bleeding, or discharge from the surgical site;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, that continues for more than two days after leaving the hospital;
• Depression;
• Cough, breathlessness, or chest pain;
• Joint pain, fatigue, stillness, rash, or other unpleasant symptoms.