Amputation surgery | Dr Samson Olori – Paediatric Surgeon Abuja, Nigeria

What is amputation?

Amputation is surgery to remove all or part of a limb or extremity—for example an arm, leg, hand, foot, or digit. The most common reason is poor blood supply (peripheral arterial disease): without enough blood flow, tissues cannot get oxygen and nutrients, so the affected part may die and become infected. Other reasons include severe trauma (e.g. from an accident or burn), a cancerous tumour in the bone or muscle of the limb, severe infection that does not respond to antibiotics, frostbite, and thickening of nerve tissue (neuroma) causing intractable pain. The aim is to remove diseased or non-viable tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible and shaping the stump so it can be fitted with a prosthesis if appropriate.

The procedure and planning the level

Amputation is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The surgeon removes damaged tissue and any diseased bone, smooths bone edges, seals blood vessels and nerves, and shapes muscles and skin so the stump can heal and, if applicable, support a prosthetic limb. The wound may be closed immediately (closed amputation) or left open for a few days if further tissue needs to be removed. The level of amputation is decided by checking blood supply (pulse, skin temperature, sensitivity) and the extent of disease or injury. You may stay in hospital for around two weeks or more depending on healing and rehabilitation needs.

Risks and support

Risks include bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, and blood clots. Phantom limb sensation or pain is common and can often be improved with medication, physiotherapy, or other therapies. Emotional and psychological support is important—coping with the loss of a limb can be difficult. We work with physiotherapy, prosthetic services, and counselling to support your recovery, mobility, and independence. Early involvement of the rehabilitation team helps you prepare for life after amputation.

Recovery and rehabilitation

After surgery, the wound is dressed and monitored. Pain is managed with medication; some people experience phantom pain (sensation or pain in the missing limb), which can be treated with drugs or other therapies. Physical therapy usually starts early with gentle stretching and strengthening. Fitting and training with an artificial limb (prosthesis) may begin within about 10–14 days in some cases. Full wound healing often takes 4–8 weeks. Long-term rehabilitation includes building strength and mobility, emotional support and counselling to adjust to the loss of the limb, and learning to use prostheses and other aids for daily activities and independence.

Frequently asked questions

What happens after amputation?
Recovery includes wound care, pain control (including for phantom pain), and rehabilitation. We work with physiotherapy and prosthetic services to support your mobility and independence.
Can I use a prosthetic limb?
Many people are candidates for a prosthesis. Timing and type depend on the level of amputation, healing, and your general health. Your team will refer you to specialists for assessment and fitting.
How long until I can go home?
Hospital stay varies; it may be around two weeks or more depending on healing, pain control, and how quickly you can start rehabilitation and mobility training.
What is phantom pain?
Phantom pain or sensation is when you feel the missing limb as if it were still there. It is common and usually improves with time. Medication and other therapies can help; we can refer you for specialist support if needed.