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Related Experiment Videos

Current role of cryoamputation.

G B Winburn1, M C Wood, M L Hawkins

  • 1Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-4000.

American Journal of Surgery
|December 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Physiologic amputation, using cold to numb the limb before surgery, is a safe and effective technique for lower extremity amputations. This method reduces complications and revision rates compared to primary amputation, with similar mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Procedures
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Physiologic amputation, a technique utilizing cold for limb numbing, has been employed for over three decades.
  • This method has been used for major lower extremity amputations, offering an alternative to immediate surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of physiologic amputation in major lower extremity amputations.
  • To compare outcomes of physiologic amputation with primary amputation regarding complications, revision rates, and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 891 major lower extremity amputations performed between 1971 and 1989.
  • Analysis of 320 physiologic amputations performed using dry ice or mechanical refrigeration in 292 patients.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparison of complication rates, revision requirements, and operative mortality between physiologic and primary amputation groups.

    • Main Results:

    • Physiologic amputation led to a decrease in elevated white blood cell count and temperature post-procedure.
    • Complications were infrequent, with minor freezing above the tourniquet in 3% and purulence requiring delayed closure in 1%.
    • The operative mortality rate for physiologic amputation (11%) was comparable to primary amputation, while revision rates were significantly lower (9% vs. 17%).

    Conclusions:

    • Physiologic amputation is a simple technique that effectively controls local infection and allows for medical stabilization before surgery.
    • This method reduces the need for amputation revisions compared to primary amputation.
    • Physiologic amputation offers comparable mortality rates to primary amputation while presenting a safer alternative with fewer complications.