Practical Approaches: Amputations in the General Practice Setting

Limb amputations are commonly performed in the general practice setting, and may need to be donewhen technical or financial resources are limited. In this session, we’ll discuss techniques to provide surgical efficiency and patient safety and comfort while taking these limitations into account. Topics will include strategic diagnostics, surgical approaches, hemorrhage control, nerve blocks and transections, closing techniques, and post-operative care.

• • Strategically select diagnostics tests where results could influence appropriateness of amputation or amputation technique.
• • Identify amputation locations and techniques that minimize complications.
• • Learn how to safely ligate major vessels such as axillary and femoral arteries and veins.
• • Learn how to safely block and transect major nerves.