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Interpretations of Amputation by Society, Patients and Surgeons

  • Chapter
A History of Limb Amputation

Summary

It is postulated that mankind’s acceptance of amputees is necessary before elective surgical amputations are undertaken. Even so, some societies do not countenance elective surgery, usually for religious reasons, despite the presence of amputees of congenital, traumatic and punitive or legal origin sanctioned by the same societies. Hence, the wish of a patient to live with three limbs than to die with four, even with the acquiescence of a surgeon, carries no weight unless supported by their communities.

Before anaesthesia, painful amputation was often endured stoically, paradoxically bolstered by intense religious conviction. For the surgeon, the former dilemmas concerning if, when and where to amputate, and how to alleviate pain, prevent haemorrhage and infection, have diminished by utilising modern supportive measures. Limb reimplantation is now possible, although not always successful.

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© 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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(2007). Interpretations of Amputation by Society, Patients and Surgeons. In: A History of Limb Amputation. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-509-7_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-509-7_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84628-443-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84628-509-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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