The operation

Reasons for amputation
Amputation occurs for a variety of reasons. The most common one is poor circulation in the legs. When the blood supply to the tissues of an extremity is inadequate, it puts the rest of the body under great strain. This may even be life threatening. Amputation can help relieve pain and allow the individual to recover.

Preparation
Blood samples will be taken before the operation, and often X-rays, as well as an electrocardiogram (ECG). Sometimes additional medical tests are needed. An anesthesiologist will discuss with you what kind of anesthesia will be used. Often it is a spinal anesthesia (epidural), or in some cases general anesthesia is preferred. Either way, it is designed to ensure that no pain will be experienced during the operation.

After the amputation
The first few hours after the operation will be spent in the recovery room, before being transferred to a ward. If a urine catheter (a tube to pass urine from the body) was provided before or during the operation, it will typically be removed the following day. Usually an injection is given daily to avoid blood clots. Antibiotics are also used to avoid infections. 

Dressings and sutures
A rigid dressing is often put on the remaini ng part of the leg (the residual limb) immediately following amputation, and left there for some days. The rigid dressing protects the wound and helps reduce swelling. The doctor will decide when it's time to remove the sutures and this is usually about three weeks after the operation.

Pain
After amputation it is normal to experience pain in the residual limb and also to feel pain where the limb used to be. The latter is called phantom pain and is not uncommon. Painkillers can be used to minimize discomfort and the pain usually decreases with time.