Bilateral (B/L) Above-knee Amputation is a surgery where both the legs are removed around the lower end of the thigh through the femur bone. It can be an emergency surgery due to trauma or road traffic accidents, or a planned elective surgery to avoid infections. A vascular or orthopaedic trauma surgeon usually performs this surgery.
How is B/L Above Knee Amputation performed?
Before surgery: Necessary fitness tests are conducted to ensure that the patient can withstand the surgery. The patient is prepared for surgery by a nurse, and anaesthesia is administered, either general or spinal.
During surgery: The surgeon, under complete aseptic conditions, removes all damaged tissues. The bone and muscles are separated while the blood vessels and nerves are sealed off. The remaining bone and surrounding tissues are carefully shaped for artificial leg placement.
After surgery: The remaining stump is bandaged and supported in stockings with drains in place. The patient then undergoes physical therapy sessions and rehabilitation. Artificial limb placement is done after 8-12 weeks, depending on stump health.
Cost of the B/L Above Knee Amputation
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Cost of surgery in Hyderabad |
Rs. 2,50,000 to 5,00,000 |
|
Cost of surgery in India |
Rs. 2,50,000 to 10,00,000 |
| Surgery details | Description |
|---|---|
|
Number of days in the hospital |
5 to 14 days, depending on the recovery status |
|
Type of surgery |
Major |
|
Type of Anaesthesia |
General(full body) or Spinal(waist down) |
|
Number of days required to recover |
6 to 8 weeks, including rehabilitation |
|
Duration of the procedure |
1-3 hours depending on the extent of tissue damage |
|
Type of surgical options available |
Open surgery requiring specialist vascular and trauma surgeons |
Risks and complications of the B/L above knee amputation
- Risk factors include heart issues, diabetes, and the effects of anaesthesia on the body during surgery.
- Potential complications include stump infection and poor healing, phantom limb pain syndrome, which includes pain and abnormal sensations in the cut limb portion, and fall risk during the early phase of recovery.
References
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/definition-amputation
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/amputation?amp=true
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544350/
- https://www.vaidam.com/cost/amputation-above-knee-cost-in-india
- https://www.practo.com/hyderabad/amputation/procedure
- https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/wound-care-preventing-infection/
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bilateral Above Knee Amputation
It usually takes anywhere between 3-12 months for the complete rehabilitation of the patient post-surgery, depending on their age, other associated injuries, comorbidities, and psychological status. A team of specialists, including a surgeon, physiotherapist, prosthetist, and caretaker can help ensure faster rehabilitation.
Yes. After surgery, one can move about with a wheelchair or a walker. Patients can get artificial legs fitted after 3 months post-surgery.
With a bilateral or both leg amputation, one should sit on a soft, firm surface with equal weight on both hips. While lying on your tummy is recommended to prevent leg stiffness, maintaining mobility in the hips is of utmost importance.
The most serious immediate complication is bleeding, shock, or infection of the stump or operated site. With proper measures, counselling, and physiotherapy sessions, one can avoid such complications.
It usually takes three months to walk once artificial legs are fitted for both leg amputations. For a single leg amputation, one can initiate walking with a walker one week after surgery.
Infection after amputation can be prevented by:
- Taking proper wound care
- Frequent and regular dressing of the residual limb
- Using mild soap and water to clean the leg once stitches are removed
- Keeping your surrounding area clean and hygienic
- Monitoring for swelling, fluid discharge, pus, and bleeding at the operated site
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