To most people, the word amputation may sound scary. Even so, amputations carried out according to indications of medical procedures actually have a good purpose for health, and can even save lives.
Amputation is an operation in the form of removal or cutting of a limb, such as an arm, leg, hand, toe, or finger. Depending on the indication, amputation can be performed as a planned operation or as an emergency measure.
Indications for Amputation
There are several reasons why an amputation is necessary, including:
- Severe infections of the limbs that do not improve with antibiotics.
- Disorders of blood circulation that cause tissue death (gangrene) in the limbs, for example in patients with peripheral artery disease or diabetes.
- Serious injury to a limb, such as from a traffic accident, work accident, or explosion.
- Malignant or cancerous tumors of the limbs.
- Birth defects that result in impaired form and function of limbs.
The various reasons above can cause disturbances in the function and shape of organs, blood circulation, and the composition of muscles, nerves, and bones. If the organs of motion can no longer be saved, it is necessary to amputate.
Understanding Amputation Surgical Procedure
In general, surgical procedures include preparation, surgery (in this case amputation), and postoperative recovery. This series of procedures is carried out by taking into account the condition and needs of the patient from various aspects.
Preparation
Before performing the amputation, the surgeon will conduct a thorough medical examination, starting from nutritional status, blood tests, to the function of organs, such as the heart and blood vessels.
In addition, the doctor will also perform several psychological assessments to determine how well the patient is coping with the psychological and emotional impact of the amputation.
After sufficient examination and assessment, the amputation procedure can be performed with the patient's consent. However, in an emergency situation, various aspects of this assessment will be carried out quickly by the doctor, in order to save the patient's life.
Prior to amputation, the patient is usually anesthetized using general anesthesia (the patient is unconscious and does not feel pain throughout the body) or spinal or epidural anesthesia (the patient is conscious, but does not feel pain in the lower body).
Surgery
Surgery begins with determining the limits of the body part to be amputated, as well as estimating how much tissue needs to be removed.
During the procedure, the surgeon will try to remove as much of the damaged tissue and bone as possible, while trying to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
After that, the doctor will smooth the edges of the remaining bone, then repair the structure of the blood vessels and nerves in the area.
At the end of the procedure, the surgeon will cut and repair the muscle structure, then close the skin surface neatly. It is intended that the shape of the end of the amputated movement organ can be attached properly to the artificial organ (prosthesis) later.
Post-amputation recovery
After undergoing an amputation, the patient will usually require treatment and recovery in the hospital for 1-2 weeks or even longer, depending on the patient's condition.
Rehabilitation is an important part of the post-amputation recovery process. Rehabilitation is carried out by paying attention to the patient's physical and psychological condition. This is because the loss of a limb not only changes the way a person performs daily activities, but can also make some patients feel frustrated and burdened with living their lives.
During the recovery process, the patient will be assisted by a medical rehabilitation doctor as well as medical personnel, specialists in physiotherapists and occupational therapists, to assist patients in carrying out physical activities that are tailored to the patient's needs.
For example, if a limb is amputated, the patient will be introduced to how to use a wheelchair or prosthetic leg, to help the patient carry out their daily activities.
Actually, there are still many recovery processes that can be done, but what patients should not forget is that they regularly check themselves according to the doctor's advice, so that post-amputation health conditions can be monitored.
Amputations will only be performed if absolutely necessary. Some cases of amputation can actually be prevented by undergoing treatment in a disciplined manner and as early as possible. So if you have a disease that can lead to amputation, check with your doctor to get the right treatment.
