Objectives:
This study was performed in order to assess morbidity and mortality associated with major lower extremity amputation according to an extensive complication registration system used in our hospital.
Methods:
All consecutive patients who underwent lower limb major extremity amputation were included from january 1996 until december 2002. complications were prospectively registered according to our standard complication registration system.
Results:
In 97 patients 122 amputations were performed including 45 above (aka) and 77 below (bka) knee amputations. the conversion rate from below to above knee amputation was 14%. in 65 patients 107 complications occurred (67%). the incidence of wound infection was 10% in the bka group and 2% in the aka group. the most frequently reported complications were pressure sores (8%) or originating from the urinary tract (13%). the hospital mortality for bka was 9% and for aka 18%. long-term survival was 62% at 1 year, 50% at 2 years and 29% at 5 years.
Conclusions:
An extensive registration system provides us with a detailed insight into the incidence, consequence and cause of complications. major lower extremity amputations are still associated with considerable morbidity and mortality.