What is Involved in a Foot Amputation?

Foot amputation involves pre-surgery preparation, the actual amputation, and recovery. Before the surgery, the patient is normally asked not to consume alcohol or take drugs that can potentially prevent his or her blood from clotting as quickly as possible. The actual foot amputation involves preventing blood flow to the limb, removing it with sharp instruments, and covering the stump with skin flaps. In recovery, the patient will awake with a bandaged stump, possibly with a tube inserted to drain fluids. While still in the hospital, the patient may work with a physical therapist to learn how to move about in wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.

Before the foot amputation, the person is usually asked what medications he or she is currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbs. He or she may also be asked to avoid the consumption of alcohol or the smoking or chewing of tobacco or other substances. It is important for the medical staff to receive honest responses to these questions and requests so that they know what to expect during the surgery. In addition, the patient is usually asked not to eat or drink anything for eight to 12 hours before the surgery.

The actual methodology of foot amputation is straightforward, and amputation techniques stay fairly consistent no matter the part of the body that is being removed. An important first step is to stop the blood supply from flowing toward the soon-to-be amputated appendage by tying off the necessary arteries and veins; this prevents excessive and potentially lethal bleeding. A following step is to sever the muscle tissue around where the bone is planned to be sawed through. After this, the bone is typically cut through in an even manner as possible and then shaped so that it is not sharp. The last step is to neaten up the muscle tissue and sew up the skin so that the wound heals as cleanly as possible and infection is avoided.

After a foot amputation patient recovers enough from the surgery, he or she is usually assigned a physical therapist to learn how to move about without a foot. Gradually, the person will learn how to use mobility aids and perform everyday tasks with more ease. It may also be possible for him or her to be fitted with a prosthetic foot. Prosthetic limbs can help the amputees look and feel more like their old selves.