Amputation Acceptance: A Survey of Factors Influencing the Decision to Undergo Lower Extremity Amputation. 

 -  2023 
<br/><br/>Available online through MWHC library: 2003 - present, Available in print through MWHC library:1999-2007 
<br/><br/> Accepting to undergo amputation is an arduous process often fraught with confusion, fear, and uncertainty. To assess how to best facilitate discussions with at-risk patients, we surveyed lower extremity amputees about their experiences surrounding this decision-making process. Patients who underwent lower extremity amputation at our institution from October 2020 to October 2021 were asked to complete a 5-item telephone survey assessing their decision to undergo amputation and postoperative satisfaction. Retrospective chart review of respondent demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and complications was conducted. Of 89 lower extremity amputees identified, 41 (46.07%) responded to the survey, with the majority undergoing below-knee amputations (n = 34, 82.93%). At a mean follow-up of 5.90 +/- 3.45 months, 20 patients (48.78%) were ambulatory. Surveys were completed at a mean of 7.74 +/- 4.03 months since amputation. Factors that helped patients decide to undergo amputation included discussions with doctors (n = 32, 78.05%) and concern for worsening health (n = 19, 46.34%). Deteriorating ability to walk (n = 18, 45.00%) was the most common concern prior to surgery. Recommendations by survey respondents to ease the decision-making process included speaking with amputees (n = 9. 22.50%), more discussions with doctors (n = 8, 20.00%), and access to mental health and social services (n = 2, 5.00%); however, many had no recommendations (n = 19, 47.50%), and most were pleased with their decision to undergo amputation (n = 38, 92.68%). Despite most patients primarily citing satisfaction with their decision to undergo lower extremity amputation, it is critical to consider factors that affect patient decisions and recommendations to improve this decision-making process. Copyright © 2023 the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 
<br/><br/><br/>English 
<br/><br/><label>ISSN: </label>1067-2516 
<br/><br/><label>Standard No.: </label>10.1053/j.jfas.2022.12.012 [doi] S1067-2516(23)00003-0 [pii] 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXED
<br/><br/><label>Index Terms--Occupation: </label><br/>MedStar General Surgery Residency<br/>MedStar Georgetown University Hospital/MedStar Washington Hospital Center<br/>Plastic Surgery Residency
<br/><br/><label>Index Terms--Function: </label><br/>Journal Article