AMPUTATION

DEFINITION
 Amputation is the removal of a body part
usually an extremity
INDICATIONS
 Circulatory impairment resulting from
peripheral vascular disorder

 Traumatic and thermal injuries

 Malignant tumors

 Uncontrolled or widespread infection of the

extremity

 Congenital disorders
LEVELS OF AMPUTATION
 Syme amputation
 Below knee amputation
 Above knee amputation
 Below elbow amputation
 Above elbow amputation
COMPLICATIONS
 Hemorrhage
 Infection
 Skin breakdown
 Phatom limb pain
 Joint contracture
MANAGEMENT
 Healing is enhanced by gentle handling of
the residual limb, control of residual limb
edema through rigid or soft compression
dressings and use of aseptic technique in
wound care to avoid infection

 Removable rigid dressing placed over the soft

dressing

 Wound drainage devices

NURSING DIAGNOSIS
 Chronic pain related to phatom limb sensation
 Disturbed body image related to amputation
and impaired mobility
 Impaired skin integrity related to surgical
amputation
 Self care deficit bathing| hygiene related to
loss of extremity
 Impaired physical mobility related to
amputation of the lower limb
 Risk for anticipatory grieving related to loss of
body part and resulting disability