About Amputation
Key Highlights
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Life-saving intervention for severe infection, gangrene, or trauma.Provides significant relief from chronic, debilitating pain.Prevents the spread of aggressive cancers or infections to the rest of the body.Creates a foundation for rehabilitation and prosthetic limb fitting.Can dramatically improve overall quality of life and mobility in the long term.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe trauma or crush injury where the limb cannot be saved.
- Advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD) leading to critical limb ischemia and gangrene.
- Uncontrolled, life-threatening infection (e.g., necrotizing fasciitis) that does not respond to antibiotics.
- Complications from diabetes, such as non-healing ulcers and osteomyelitis (bone infection).
- Malignant tumors (cancers like osteosarcoma) in the limb.
- Severe burns or frostbite causing irreversible tissue death.
- Congenital limb deformities that impair function.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation including blood tests, imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT), and vascular studies.
- Consultation with a multidisciplinary team (surgeon, physiatrist, prosthetist, therapist).
- Optimization of medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Possible pre-operative antibiotic therapy to control infection.
- Cessation of smoking and certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Psychological counseling and education about the procedure and life after amputation.
- Marking of the precise surgical site on the limb.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) and formation of a hematoma (blood clot) at the site.
- Surgical site infection or wound breakdown.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Nerve pain (phantom limb pain or neuroma pain).
- Contractures (stiffening of joints in the residual limb).
- Poor healing of the stump, potentially requiring revision surgery.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Emotional and psychological challenges, including depression.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications.
- Use of compression garments (shrinker socks) to shape the residual limb and reduce swelling.
- Early mobilization and physical therapy to maintain strength, prevent contractures, and promote independence.
- Meticulous wound care and inspection for signs of infection.
- Occupational therapy to adapt to daily activities.
- Emotional and psychological support through counseling or support groups.
- Gradual progression to prosthetic limb fitting and training, typically after several weeks or months.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for basic healing; 6-12+ months for full adaptation and prosthetic rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering amputation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for amputation in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform amputation. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for amputation compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 5-14 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic healing; 6-12+ months for full adaptation and prosthetic rehabilitation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 5-14 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic healing; 6-12+ months for full adaptation and prosthetic rehabilitation | Know More |
Top hospitals for Amputation in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing amputation.
Vikram Saxena, a 58-year-old former construction...
Vikram Saxena, a 58-year-old former construction foreman, had managed his Type 2 diabetes for over a decade. A stubborn, non-healing ulcer developed on his right foot after a minor injury. Despite meticulous wound care, antibiotics, and multiple debridements, the ulcer progressed to gangrene. The infection spread, causing severe pain and fever. His vascular surgeon explained that the infection was life-threatening and the limb was no longer viable. Vikram underwent a below-the-knee amputation. The surgery was successful in halting the infection. After a challenging rehabilitation, he learned to use a prosthetic limb. Initially, Vikram was devastated, grieving the loss of his independence and identity as a physically strong man. With support from a therapist and a peer support group for amputees, he gradually shifted his focus to what he could still do, finding new purpose in mentoring young tradespeople and adapting his hobbies.
General surgeons for Amputation
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform amputation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore