Patient outcomes following lower leg major amputations for peripheral arterial disease: A series review

Predisposing Factors for 30-Day Complications Following Leg Amputation

BACKGROUND

Although amputation rates, morbidity, and mortality have been established for select populations, the impact of general demographic factors on postoperative surgical complications remains little studied.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was searched for leg amputations from 2012 to 2017 using CPT codes 27881, 27882, 27884, and 27886, identifying 4162 patients. A total of 29 demographic variables with 4 complications (surgical infection, additional service, and deep-vein thrombosis [DVT], and sepsis) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Preoperative open, contaminated, or dirty/infected wounds; longer intraoperative times; development of sepsis prior to surgery; and admission of patients from home or another hospital influenced postoperative infection rates. Preoperative open, infected, or dirty/infected wounds; height; weight; total length of hospital stay; and ethnicity affected postoperative additional service incidence. Preoperative congestive heart failure, large decreases in body weight, and total length of hospital stay influenced postoperative DVT rates. Preoperative functional heath status, total length of hospital stay, amputations conducted as emergency cases, preoperative acute renal failure, open or infected wounds, sepsis, and contaminated or dirty/infected wounds affected postoperative sepsis rates.

BACKGROUND

Conclusion. Understanding these risk factors may allow providers to anticipate and address higher rates of complications in certain patient populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Prognostic.

Duplex Ultrasound May Predict the Best Level of Lower Limb Amputation in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Despite improved revascularization options, many patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI) require lower limb amputation. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is recommended as first-choice imaging technique in CLI. However, the prognostic utility of DUS for planning lower limb amputations has never been described before. This study aims to evaluate if DUS and findings from physical examination could be used to help predict the best level of lower limb amputation in patients with CLI.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 124 patients with CLI and a lower limb amputation was analyzed. Outcome measurements were reoperation, revision, and conversion rates, which were related to findings from physical examination and DUS examinations.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine reoperations were performed, of which 17 stump revisions and 22 conversions were from below- to above-knee amputation. There was a discrepancy in findings of physical examination and DUS of 25% and 64% of femoral and popliteal pulsations respectively. Conversion rates increased with a more proximal occlusion on DUS. All patients with a vascular occlusion in the aortoiliac trajectory or deep femoral artery required a higher amputation level.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical examination seems to be unreliable, and therefore should not be used to assess the optimal level of lower extremity amputation. Performing a primary above-knee amputation in patients with vascular occlusion in the aortoiliac trajectory or deep femoral artery could significantly reduce reoperation rates.

The chaos of hospitalisation for patients with critical limb ischaemia approaching major amputation

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To illuminate the hospital experience for patients and families when major amputation has been advised for critical limb ischaemia (CLI).

BACKGROUND

CLI creates significant burden to the health system and the family, particularly as the person with CLI approaches amputation. Major amputation is often offered as a late intervention for CLI in response to the marked deterioration of an ischaemic limb, and functional decline from reduced mobility, intractable pain, infection and/or toxaemia. While a wealth of clinical outcome data on CLI and amputation exists internationally, little is known about the patient/family-centred experience of hospitalisation to inform preservation of personhood and patient-centred care planning.

DESIGN

Longitudinal qualitative study using Heideggerian phenomenology.

METHODS

Fourteen patients and 13 family carers provided a semistructured interview after advice for major amputation. Where amputation followed, a second interview (6 months postprocedure) was provided by eight patients and seven family carers. Forty-two semistructured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Hermeneutic phenomenological analysis followed.

RESULTS

Hospitalisation for CLI, with or without amputation, created a sense of chaos, characterised by being fragile and needing more time for care (fragile body and fragile mind, nurse busyness and carer hypervigilance), being adrift within uncontrollable spaces (noise, unreliable space, precarious accommodation and unpredictable scheduling) and being confused by missed and mixed messages (multiple stakeholders, information overload and cultural/linguistic diversity).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and families need a range of strategies to assist mindful decision-making in preparation for amputation in what for them is a chaotic process occurring within a chaotic environment. Cognitive deficits increase the care complexity and burden of family advocacy.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

A coordinated, interprofessional response should improve systems for communication, family engagement, operation scheduling and discharge planning to support preparation, adjustment and allow a sense of safety to develop. Formal peer support for patients and caregivers should be actively facilitated.