afstumpe

Afstumpe is a Danish term meaning to amputate. In medical English the procedure is called amputation, the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb when salvage is not possible or safe. The word is used in Danish contexts; the English term is amputation.

Indications include severe trauma with irreparable damage, infection or gangrene, malignant tumors, irreversible ischemia from vascular disease, diabetes-related tissue loss, and congenital deformities.

Amputations are described by the level of the residual limb. Major amputations include transfemoral (above-knee) and transtibial (below-knee) for legs, and transhumeral (above-elbow) and transradial (below-elbow) for arms. Minor amputations remove digits.

The procedure is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia. The surgeon removes the limb segment, controls bleeding, and shapes the stump by connecting muscles and skin to enable prosthetic use. Nerves may be managed to reduce painful neuromas.

Postoperative care involves pain control, wound care, and infection prevention, followed by rehabilitation and prosthetic training. Phantom limb sensations are common; phantom limb pain occurs in some patients. A multidisciplinary team supports physical, psychological, and social adaptation.

See also: Amputation; Prosthetics.