Why is this procedure done?
This surgery is done to treat accidents, trauma, and infections. The doctor will take off dead or damaged tissue in your foot or toe. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may: ‚
- Order lab tests or other tests
- Have you measured for an artificial limb. This is called a prosthesis.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The doctor may give you a drug to numb your foot.
- Your doctor will cut off the affected foot or toe. If there is no infection, the doctor will sew your cut. If you have infection at the site, your doctor may leave the wound open. A tube may be put in to drain fluids. Next, the staff will put a sterile bandage or dressing on your wound.
- The procedure takes 20 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your foot will be kept raised.
- You will have a bulky dressing on your toe or foot. This will protect it from injury.
- You will be asked to get up and begin walking. Your therapist will teach you how to use a walker or crutches.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Poor wound healing or spread of dead tissue. This might require amputation of more of your foot, toes, or leg.
- Infection
- Very bad pain in the remaining tissue. This is stump pain.
- Painful feeling that the foot or toe is still there. This is phantom pain.
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Limp ¢ ˆ ’ depending on which toe has been removed
Where can I learn more?
Society of Vascular Surgery ‚
http://www.vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/Pages/Amputation.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚