Above Knee & Below Knee Amputation Surgery in Hyderabad
Specialist evaluation and surgical care for severe limb ischemia, non-healing wounds and serious infections when the affected limb cannot be safely preserved.
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Why Is Leg Amputation Considered?
The HVC source describes two major situations in which amputation may be necessary: severely compromised blood supply that cannot be improved and serious infection that cannot be adequately controlled.
Very Poor Blood Supply
Severe narrowing or blockage of the leg arteries can reduce blood flow to a level where the foot or lower limb cannot survive. Symptoms may include severe pain, ulcers or black areas of the toes, foot or lower leg.
Extensive Infection
People with diabetes or chronic renal disease can develop serious infections involving the toes, foot or lower leg. When infection cannot be controlled adequately, amputation may become necessary.
Evaluation & Preparation for Amputation
The HVC source describes hospital admission and investigations before surgery to assess overall health and determine whether circulation can be improved.
Blood Tests
Preoperative blood investigations are performed as part of surgical assessment and preparation.
Cardiac & Chest Assessment
The source lists chest X-ray, electrocardiography and echocardiography among possible preoperative investigations.
Arterial Imaging
In many cases, arteriography or other arterial assessment may be performed to determine whether leg circulation can be improved before considering amputation.
Medication Review
Blood-thinning and antiplatelet medicines may need specific perioperative management. Medication changes should only be made according to the treating medical team's instructions.
Anaesthesia Assessment
The vascular surgeon and anaesthetist discuss the operation, risks and immediate postoperative care before surgery.
Informed Consent
The patient is informed about why the procedure is required, its risks and the expected postoperative course before consent is obtained.
Above Knee vs Below Knee Amputation
The level of amputation is determined by the extent of non-viable tissue, infection, blood supply and the ability of the remaining limb to heal.
Below Knee Amputation
The lower part of the leg is removed while preserving the knee joint when the remaining tissues have adequate blood supply and are suitable for healing. Preserving the knee can be an important part of rehabilitation planning when clinically possible.
Above Knee Amputation
When disease or infection extends higher or the lower limb cannot heal at a below-knee level, an above-knee amputation may be required.
What Happens During Amputation Surgery?
Anaesthesia
The HVC source describes general or regional anaesthesia, with the choice determined by the surgical and anaesthesia teams.
Removal of Diseased Tissue
The surgeon removes the non-viable or severely affected portion of the limb at the planned level.
Stump Closure
The amputation stump is closed with sutures or clips and protected with a dressing.
Postoperative Monitoring
After surgery, pain control, fluid management, wound monitoring and gradual mobilisation are started.
Recovery After Leg Amputation
Rehabilitation begins during the hospital stay and continues after discharge.
Pain Management
Postoperative pain is treated with appropriate medication. Phantom limb pain or sensations may also occur and can be managed with medical treatment.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists help with bed exercises, transfers, mobility, wheelchair skills and gradual walking when appropriate.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation
When suitable, patients may be referred to a limb-fitting centre for a temporary prosthesis followed by a prosthesis tailored to their needs.
Home Modifications
Bathroom and stair modifications, support handles and other changes may improve safety after discharge.
Continued Exercise
Regular physical activity and rehabilitation can support mobility and adaptation to a prosthesis or wheelchair.
Driving & Daily Activities
Driving and independent daily activities may be possible for some people with appropriate adaptations and medical clearance.
Risks After Amputation Surgery
Delayed Wound Healing
Poor blood supply at the amputation level can sometimes delay healing and may occasionally require a higher-level operation.
Wound Infection
Infection can develop at the surgical wound and may require antibiotics or, less commonly, another procedure.
Chest Infection
Chest infections can occur after surgery, particularly in people who smoke, and may require antibiotics and physiotherapy.
Cardiovascular Events
As with major surgery, cardiovascular complications including heart attack or stroke can occur.
Phantom Limb Symptoms
Some patients experience pain, aches or sensations that seem to come from the removed limb.
Further Amputation
If the wound cannot heal because of inadequate blood supply or other disease, a higher-level amputation may occasionally be required.
How Can Patients Support Recovery?
Stop Smoking
Smoking can further damage the arteries and increase cardiovascular and vascular risks, including risk to the remaining limb.
Control Diabetes
Follow the medical team's plan for blood glucose control and take prescribed medicines regularly.
Manage Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Long-term cardiovascular risk-factor management is important for protecting the remaining limb and overall health.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Weight management can make mobility and prosthetic use easier and support rehabilitation.
Dr. Narendranadh Meda
Dr. Narendranadh Meda provides vascular evaluation and treatment planning at Hyderabad Vascular Center. When limb-threatening disease is present, assessment focuses on the severity of circulation problems, infection, tissue viability and whether limb-salvage treatment is possible.
Book an AppointmentLeg Amputation Surgery FAQs
When is leg amputation considered?
The HVC source describes amputation as a possible treatment when blood supply to the foot is severely compromised and circulation cannot be improved, or when a serious infection involving the toes, foot or lower leg cannot be controlled adequately.
What are above knee and below knee amputations?
An above-knee amputation removes the leg above the knee, while a below-knee amputation removes the affected portion below the knee. The appropriate level depends on the extent of disease, infection, tissue viability and the ability of the remaining limb to heal.
What tests are done before amputation surgery?
The HVC source describes blood tests, chest X-ray, ECG, echocardiography and, in many cases, arterial imaging such as arteriography before surgery.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
The source states that amputation may be performed under general or regional anaesthesia, with the final approach determined by the surgical and anaesthesia teams.
What happens after amputation surgery?
Postoperative care includes pain management, wound care, gradual mobilisation and physiotherapy. Patients may be taught bed exercises, transfers and wheelchair use, followed by prosthetic rehabilitation when appropriate.
What is phantom limb pain?
Phantom limb pain or sensations are feelings that seem to come from the removed limb. The HVC source notes that medication can help manage these symptoms.
Will I be able to walk with a prosthesis?
The source describes referral to a limb-fitting centre and gradual rehabilitation with a temporary and later tailored prosthesis when appropriate. Functional outcomes vary between patients.
What are possible complications of amputation?
Possible complications described by HVC include wound-healing problems, infection, chest infection, cardiovascular complications, persistent wound discomfort and phantom limb symptoms. Occasionally, poor healing may require a higher-level amputation.
Need Vascular Assessment for a Limb-Threatening Condition?
If there is severe foot pain, blackened tissue, gangrene, a non-healing wound or serious infection, prompt vascular assessment is important to determine whether circulation can be improved and whether limb-salvage treatment is possible.
Call +91 88665 49555Contact Hyderabad Vascular Center