Finger or Toe Amputation

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KEY POINTS

• A finger or toe amputation is surgery to remove 1 or more fingers or toes.
• Amputation may be used to treat a severe injury, an infection, a poor blood supply, or a tumor.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is a finger or toe amputation?

A finger or toe amputation is surgery to remove 1 or more fingers or toes.

When is it used?

Amputation may be used to treat a severe injury, an infection, a poor blood supply, or a tumor.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow any instructions your healthcare provider may give you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given a regional or a general anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. Regional anesthesia numbs part of your body while you stay awake. If you have regional anesthesia, you may also be given medicine to help you relax. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and puts you into a deep sleep.

Your healthcare provider will make a cut in the finger or toe and cut through the muscles, bone, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. He or she will sew the blood vessels shut and sew the muscles over the bone for padding. Then your provider will cover the muscles with skin. Temporary drains may be left in the cut so blood and fluid can drain.

What happens after the procedure?

If you had an infection, you may stay in the hospital until the infection is gone, which may take 3 to 7 days. You will need to keep your hand or foot raised up higher than your heart. You may have a cast.

You may need physical or occupational therapy to help you adjust to the loss of your finger or toe.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
• Other parts of your body may be injured during the surgery.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.