A severe accident can cause permanent damage to your body. One example of a permanent injury is the loss of a limb. In many cases, your limb may be crushed or otherwise damaged to an extent that it cannot function. In this case, doctors may choose amputation as the only means of treatment.
WebMD describes amputation as the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb.
The process
During the amputation procedure, most patients remain in the hospital between five and 14 days. How long you remain in the hospital depends on the circumstance of your surgery and whether you experience any complications.
Generally, operations occur under general anesthesia. If you are not asleep, then the physicians may numb you from the waist down. During the surgery, doctors try to remove the damaged tissue while leaving as much of your healthy tissue as possible. The surgeon may have to smooth uneven areas of the bone, seal off blood vessels and nerves or cut and shape the muscles.
The treatment
During recovery at the hospital, the staff will change and dress your wound. They will also teach you how to change or dress the wound for when you return home. While in the hospital, the physician monitors your healing and looks for any conditions that could interfere with your progress. You may receive antibiotics and pain medication to prevent infection and to ease your pain.
After, you will begin physical therapy. Physical therapy includes stretching exercises. If you receive an artificial limb, you will receive it between 10 and 14 days following the operation.
