Guillotine amputation

Guillotine amputation is a type of amputation where the limb is cut off without first creating flaps of soft tissue. This method is often used in emergency situations, where there is a need to quickly remove a limb due to severe trauma or infection.

History

The term "guillotine" amputation is derived from the Guillotine, a device used during the French Revolution for beheading. The procedure was named for its similarity to the swift and clean cut made by the guillotine blade.

Procedure

In a guillotine amputation, the surgeon cuts through all the tissues at the same level, including the skin, muscle, and bone. This is in contrast to other types of amputations, where the surgeon may create flaps of skin and soft tissue to cover the end of the amputated limb.

The guillotine amputation is often a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, the limb is quickly removed to treat the immediate threat to the patient's life. In the second stage, after the patient's condition has stabilized, the surgeon may perform a revision amputation to create a more functional stump.

Indications

Guillotine amputations are typically performed in emergency situations, where there is a need to quickly remove a limb. This may be due to severe trauma, such as a crush injury or a gunshot wound, or due to a severe infection that is not responding to other treatments.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, guillotine amputations carry risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also the risk of phantom limb pain, which is a sensation of pain that seems to come from the amputated limb.

See Also

• Amputation
• Revision amputation
• Phantom limb

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