Amputee - Pre-operation Information | Singapore General Hospital

We aim to educate you on the general technicalities of your operation and what you can or may expect after the operation. We also hope this brochure empowers you to learn and condition your body well before and after the operation to enable you to reach your desired goal.

Operation

The aim of the operation is to remove enough of the diseased tissue to allow effective wound healing.

What happens after operation

Your wound may be covered with a clear dressing and a bandage. A tube or drain may be placed under the skin. This removes excess fluid away from the operation site and prevents excess bruising and swelling. The wound is usually stitched or stapled for up to 21 days. A tube may be placed in your bladder to monitor your urine output.

You may experience pain

Pain may be from the operation site or a sensation from where your limb used to be.

Phantom Sensation

Feeling that your limb is still there

Phantom Pain

Tingling, burning, cramping sensation.

Residual limb pain

Pain arising from area where there is no limb.
Pain that originates in the part of your limb that remains. It can be caused by swelling, nerve damage or irritation from your prosthesis.

Relieving pain

Keep a diary to see if there is a pattern

Write and track symptoms
Make a list of all medical information (diagnosis and treatments)
Prepare questions before consult

Your Doctor can offer you advice on medical treatments.

Pain Management after surgery: Nerve block/ epidural block/ spinal block
Pain medications: intravenously or non-medications such as ice and elevation
Relaxation and music therapy have also been effective

Managing phantom limb pain

Unlike pain that is caused by trauma directly to a limb, phantom limb pain is thought to be caused by mixed signals from your brain or spinal cord. New therapies usually involve trying to change the signals from your brain or spinal cord.

For phantom limb pain management, you will take medications directed specifically toward interrupting the pain signals in your brain or spinal cord as well as using certain non-medication therapies, which also work on your brain’s interpretation of these signals.

Alternative treatments that Physiotherapists can provide

Residual limb massage
Exercise
Mirror Box therapy/ Mirror therapy

Role of Physiotherapy

Prevent chest infections after operation
Maintain and progress strength
Maximise mobility

How do we do that?

Your Physiotherapist will teach you a range of exercises and techniques to improve your mobility in the most energy efficient way

Wound healing

Rate of wound healing differs from patient. Generally keeping active and adopting a healthy lifestyle accelerates wound healing.

When do I wear my new limb?

Limb fitting is dependent on many factors such as strength, stump shape, wound healing. Generally, most patients can expect to be fitted by 6 months after operation.

Walking

Your physiotherapist will assess and teach you a variety of strengthening, ranging and balance exercises to improve your ability to use your new limb. You may have wounds in your lower limb that would need expert care.

You will also be taught exercises to walking more effectively and efficiently.

Working together with your physiotherapist, and staying committed to plans set would help you to achieve your desired rehabilitation goals in a timely manner.