Amputation: preoperative psychological preparation. J Am Board Fam Pract 1992;5(1):69-73
Date
01/01/1992Pubmed ID
1561924Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0026480119 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 33 CitationsAbstract
More than 90 percent of all amputations are now due to the complications of chronic disease. Because most amputations can be anticipated, the preoperative period allows the opportunity for psychological preparation of the patient. This article highlights the important contribution family physicians can make before patients undergo amputation. Common patient reactions before and after amputation are reviewed, and an illustrative case is described. Our experience and review of the literature suggest that psychological intervention during the preoperative period is associated with a less complicated postoperative adjustment and grieving experience. The family physician can promote patient adjustment by providing accurate information, eliciting unspoken fears, and encouraging the involvement of the patient's family. By emphasizing the patient's enduring characteristics and his or her past coping ability, we believe that family physicians can lessen the psychological distress of amputation and facilitate adaptation.
Author List
Butler DJ, Turkal NW, Seidl JJAuthor
John J. Seidl MD Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adaptation, PsychologicalAmputees
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Physicians, Family
Preoperative Care
Referral and Consultation
Stress, Psychological
