Lower extremity amputation: review of 110 cases

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Lower extremity amputations are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.
• Effective risk stratification and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the complication and mortality rates associated with lower extremity amputations.
• To identify patient populations at greatest risk for adverse outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 110 lower extremity amputations in 90 patients over a 4-year period.
• Data collection included complication rates, mortality rates, and patient demographics.

Main Results:

• The overall complication rate was 40%, and the overall mortality rate was 12.2%.
• Above-knee amputations in patients over 60 with peripheral vascular disease presented the highest risk.
• Key complications included sepsis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal ulceration, and renal failure.

Conclusions:

• Lower extremity amputation is a major, life-threatening procedure requiring comprehensive preoperative assessment.
• Preoperative evaluation of cardiac, pulmonary, and nutritional status is essential.
• Preventive strategies against common complications are necessary to reduce mortality.