When damage to the leg, foot, or toes is very severe, the patient may need an amputation. At Tower Wound Care Center, our doctors are skilled at providing lower limb amputations and can help patients from six locations in Los Angeles, Encino, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, and Lynwood CA.
Leg, foot, or toe amputation is the removal of a leg, foot, or the toes from a person’s body. These body parts are referred to as the extremities. Amputations are performed as a surgical operation.
An amputation of a lower limb is performed when there is:
There will be certain things that a patient needs to do to prepare for an amputation. Patients should tell the doctor:
In the days prior to surgery, patients may need to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin (Coumadin), and any other medicines which hinder blood clotting. Patients should also ask the doctor which medicines should still be taken on the day of surgery. They should also quit smoking. Diabetics should eat and take their medications as normal until the day of surgery. On the day, patients will typically be asked to avoid drinking or eating anything for 8 to 12 hours prior to the surgery. Medications to be taken that day should be ingested with a small sip of water. The home will also need to be prepared, patients should:
Proper foot care is the best way to ensure that a small problem does not progress to a greater one requiring amputation. Patients should include the following in their hygiene and routine habits: