Amputation Surgery in Dubai

Overview

Amputations may be required as an emergency, to preserve life following a trauma or performed as an planned procedure to treat a limb which poses a risk to an individual, for example due to cancer or infection, or  simply to improve function if it is impeding activities. 

As with any surgery, an amputation carries a risk of complications. The effects of amputation can be varied, with no two cases of amputation being the same. However, some factors are common in most amputation cases.

To understand the consequences of amputation on a person, different factors listed below must be taken into account:

  • Type of amputation
  • Patient’s age
  • Other injuries sustained
  • Whether a prosthetic limb is needed
  • Condition of the remaining limb (residual limb or stump)
  • The patient’s health before amputation

Common Problems after Amputation

Nerve pain

Post-amputation pain is common and can often be difficult to treat. Amputation pain occurs in approximately half of patients, either immediately or months after removing a limb. Pain following an amputation may develop as either residual limb pain, phantom limb pain, or neuroma pain.

Neuroma Pain

A neuroma is a growth of nerve cells at the end of amputated nerves in a limb that can become painful. This disorganised growth of nerve endings results from the body’s attempt to heal by regenerating the severed nerve. However, those nerves have nothing to regenerate into when a limb is amputated, which can result in the formation of an exquisitely sensitive lump . 

Phantom limb Pain

You may develop phantom pain if you’ve had an amputation (limb loss). The pain is real but feels like it’s originating in the missing body part. 

Residual limb pain

Sometimes called stump pain, residual limb pain is felt in the part of a limb that remains after amputation. It occurs in about 60% of people who have had an amputation. Both of these pains are caused by the development of neuromas following surgery. 

Revision procedures for prosthetic fitting

Inappropriately amputated stump limb makes it harder to fit prosthetics. And since the residual limb significantly shrinks months after an amputation,  it may require revision surgery to reproduce a suitable stump. 

All the complications and problems mentioned above can be solved if the amputation surgery is performed correctly by a plastic reconstruction surgeon. Dr Demetrious suggests that patients should ensure the surgeon’s qualification/specialisation and experience before going through the procedure. 

Amputation Surgery in Dubai

Amputation is a life-altering event, affecting your ability to move, work, interact with others, and be independent. In addition, continuous amputee nerve pain, phantom limb pain (PLP), and emotional trauma can complicate your recovery and quality of life after surgery.

Our approach to amputation surgery depends on three factors: the affected part of the body, the reason for amputation, and the extent of the damage.

Amputation Surgery

For example, a finger amputation is an intricate procedure involving the modification of the skin, nerves, and tendons of the hand to allow fine motor function while reducing painful symptoms. On the other hand, amputating an arm or leg is a major surgical process requiring a specific understanding of different soft and hard tissues. 

The surgery may involve various stages. Dr Demetrius often combines soft-tissue reconstruction, soft tissue padding, or stump revision procedures to manage tissue breakdown or scarring. 

A TMR surgery or RPNI surgery can also be performed to avoid postoperative  amputee pain.

  • Partial hand amputation 
  • Wrist disarticulation
  • Below-the-elbow amputation
  • Elbow disarticulation
  • Above-the-elbow amputation
  • Shoulder disarticulation
  • Forequarter amputation

 

  • Partial foot amputation
  • Ankle disarticulation
  • Below-the-knee amputation
  • Knee disarticulation
  • Above-the-knee amputation
  • Hip disarticulation
  • Pelvic amputation or hemipelvectomy\

 

Choose Dr Demetrius if you ever need amputation surgery in Dubai

Dr Demetrius has over 20 years of experience in performing amputation surgery in Dubai, in the UK, Ireland, and Afghanistan. He gained most of this experience over many years of service in the Royal Air Force Medical Branch as a doctor and his active service in Afghanistan. He is also one of the few experts specialising in treating amputee nerve pain. He guides his patients at every step, from selecting the best prosthetics to rehabilitating after surgery.

If you are looking for a specialist to treat your amputation-related problems, book your appointment with Dr Demetrius today.