 |
|
Limb-sparing surgery may not provide better quality of life than amputation for bone cancer patients
August 10, 2009Limb-sparing surgery, which has been taking the place of amputation for bone and soft tissue sarcomas of the lower limb in recent years, may not provide much or even any additional benefit to patients according to a new review. The analysis, published in the September 15, 2009 issue of Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, indicates that patients and physicians should rethink the pros and cons of limb-sparing surgery and amputation.
Patients with tumors of the bone or soft tissue in their arms and legs require surgery to remove their cancer. To compare the costs and benefits of amputation compared with limb-sparing surgery in these patients, Canadian researchers Ronald Barr, M.D., M.B., Ch.B., of McMaster University and Jay Wunder, M.D., M.Sc., of the Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto reviewed all published papers on limb-sparing surgery that also measured patients' functional health and quality of life.
The review found that while limb-sparing surgery is generally as effective as amputation in ridding the patient of cancer, it tends to be associated with more early and late complications. Surprisingly, studies also show that, particularly for patients with lower limb bone sarcomas, limb salvage does not provide a better quality of life to patients than amputation. Most studies have found that the differences in disability between amputation and limb-sparing patients are smaller than expected. Many revealed no significant differences in psychological health and quality of life between patients who underwent amputations and those who had limb-sparing surgery. However, there appear to be greater advantages to limb-sparing surgery over amputation for higher surgical sites in the lower limb, such as the hip.
Some studies have looked at the costs of amputation vs limb-sparing surgery. "Up front" surgical costs, the duration of rehabilitation, and the need for revisions are all greater for limb-sparing surgery. However, amputation carries longer term costs related to artificial limb manufacture, maintenance, and replacement.
The authors say additional research is needed to provide a thorough comparison of amputation and limb-sparing surgery in different types of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. "Future studies that include function, health-related quality of life, economics, and stratification of patients by age will be useful contributions to decision-making- by patients, health care providers and administrators," said Dr. Wunder.
American Cancer Society
Some studies have looked at the costs of amputation vs limb-sparing surgery. "Up front" surgical costs, the duration of rehabilitation, and the need for revisions are all greater for limb-sparing surgery. However, amputation carries longer term costs related to artificial limb manufacture, maintenance, and replacement.
The authors say additional research is needed to provide a thorough comparison of amputation and limb-sparing surgery in different types of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. "Future studies that include function, health-related quality of life, economics, and stratification of patients by age will be useful contributions to decision-making- by patients, health care providers and administrators," said Dr. Wunder.
American Cancer Society
Amputation Current Events and Amputation News RSSAngina in the legs? Time to alert patients and physicians
Edmonton researchers recommend that people over age 40 be screened for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which puts people at high risk for serious medical complications including heart disease, stroke, and possible lower limb amputation.
Lifestyle changes remain important in fighting peripheral arterial disease
Modifying the risk of peripheral arterial disease (or PAD)-with healthy lifestyle changes-remains vital to one's health, note researchers in a recent issue of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
Plastic surgeons should be part of disaster relief planning, response
When a terrorist bomb explodes, a tornado rips through a town, a hurricane devastates a region, or wildfires ravage homes and businesses, plastic surgeons are not typically atop the list of emergency responders.
Made-to-measure solutions for enhancing prostheses of amputated legs
TECNALIA Corporación Tecnológica and the Valencia Institute for Biomechanics (IBV) have designed made-to-measure solutions to improve adaptation to replacements for amputated legs - the prime objective of the new health biomaterials project, FABIO, financed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Vanderbilt researchers pioneer an advanced sepsis detection and management system
When Jason Martin gives a talk about his research, he begins with the dramatic story of Mariana Bridi da Costa: The young Brazilian supermodel died from severe sepsis in January after amputation of both her hands and feet failed to stop its spread.
Injured Marines at risk for abnormal bone growth
Marines and other military personnel who are wounded in combat as the result of a high-energy trauma, such as a bomb blast, are likely to develop an abnormality known as heterotopic ossification.
Human stem cells promote healing of diabetic ulcers
Treatment of chronic wounds is a continuing clinical problem and socio-economic burden with diabetic foot ulcers alone costing the NHS £300 million a year.
Stem cell therapy grows new blood vessels
Research led by David Hess of the Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario has identified how to use selected stem cells from bone marrow to grow new blood vessels to treat diseases such as peripheral artery disease.
Combat injuries: A matter of life and death
Orthopaedic surgeons play a crucial role in the care of active duty military personnel according to a Forum article in the April 2009 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS). Surgical teams are providing treatment as soon as possible after injury, thereby saving lives and helping injured personnel obtain optimal function.
Promising 3-year data: Saving limbs with drug-eluting stents
Attempts to treat critical limb ischemia in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with below-the-knee angioplasty are still thwarted by restenosis (the re-narrowing of the artery at the site of angioplasty or stenting), the need for repeat treatments and the continued progression of atherosclerotic disease, leading to tissue death (gangrene) and amputation.
More Amputation Current Events and Amputation News Articles
 |
Lower Limb Amputation: A Guide to Living a Quality Life by M.D. Adrian Cristian (Author) This is the first book to combine medical, prosthetic, and psychosocial facts about lower limb amputation into one convenient volume. The author demystifies the medical process by using plain, optimistic language and offers practical advice about how to cope with the life changes caused by lower limb amputation. Due to diabetes and an aging population, among other factors, lower limb amputation is now relatively common. Feelings of loss and grief, difficulties in learning to walk with an artificial limb, and readjustment to an interrupted life all pose considerable challenges - but countless people have successfully overcome these problems. Includes: * ways to prevent further amputation * learning to walk with a prosthesis * challenges faced by children and... |
 |
It's Just a Matter of Balance: A Very Personal Story Of Amputee Rehabilitation, An Autobiography, Prosthetic Education, Inspirational, Surviving Limb Amputation, Useful Story For Clinicians by Kevin S. Garrison (Author) This is a true story written by an Amputee-Certified Prosthetist. He wrote down his story after 35 years of life, experiencing living his life as an amputee. The ordeal started when he was 16 years old. He had very, very little help with the adjustment or life changes that were forced upon him as he became an amputee. There was no support group available for him to attend, and he was never referred for psychological counseling at all. Kevin finds it most interesting and you may agree, that he actually wrote his book to help himself! Yes, he wished someone could have handed him this book and said, Read this son, it will help you!, at the time when he found himself having the saddest feeling that he had ever experienced before in his new life, as an amputee. His true story as he wrote it... |
 |
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies by Douglas G. Smith MD (Author), John W. Michael MEd CPO (Author), John H. Bowker MD (Author), Douglas G. Smith MD (Editor), John W. Michael MEd CPO (Editor), John H. Bowker MD (Editor) The Atlas of Amputations, Third edition remains the definitive and comprehensive reference on the surgical and prosthetic management of acquired and congenital limb loss. This expanded and updated edition is written by recognized experts in the fields of amputation surgery, rehabilitation and prosthetics. |
 |
Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee by Richard Lee Riley CP BS (Author) Living with a Below-Knee Amputation: A Unique Insight from a Prosthetist/Amputee provides an insightful look at the entire spectrum of the below knee experience from amputation to rehabilitation. As a prosthetist for 22 years, author Richard Riley uses real life examples to answer many of the questions facing amputees. Â The information is structured in a manner that permits quick, easy access to an array of topics. Living with a Below-Knee Amputation not only discusses the psychosocial and physical issues; it also clearly explains the role of the medical... |
 |
Coping with Physical Loss and Disability: A Workbook (New Horizons in Therapy) by Rick Ritter (Author) This workbook provides more than 50 questions and exercises designed to empower those with physical loss and disability to better understand and accept their ongoing processes of loss and recovery. The exercises in Coping with Physical Loss and Disability were distilled from ten years of clinical social work experience with clients suffering from quadriplegia, paraplegia, amputation, cancer, severe burns, HIV/AIDs, and neuro-muscular disorders arising from accidents, injury, and disease. Series Info Coping with Physical Loss and Disability: A Workbook is the second book in the New Horizons in Therapy Series. This series is specifically designed to empower clients to work on their own in a therapeutic setting. As many therapists will state, it's often what the client does... |
|
Emotional Amputation | |
 |
Amputations and Prosthetics: A Case Study Approach by Bella J. May (Author) Medical College of Georgia, Augusta. Case study text for students. Emphasizes the decision-making process of the physical therapist and the role of the physical therapy assistant. Softcover. DNLM: Amputation--rehabilitation. |
 |
My Amputations by Clarence Major (Author), W. Lawrence Hogue (Introduction) Originally published in 1986, this is a work of American fiction. |
 |
Langenbeck Amputation Knife by Gardner Laboratories Our prime manufacturers are certified with ISO and CE, respectively, Norway's and The Netherlands Health Ministries. These instruments are constructed of high grade surgical stainless steel for durability and dependability. As we do not have a license from the FDA to sell human surgical instruments, we attach this disclaimer stating that the instruments are intended for veterinary and educational use. Best Science Supplies, offering quality scientific equipment and supplies since 1988. If you buy multiple items, we will adjust the shipping and refund you the difference to reflect the actual shipping and handling costs. |
 |
Medline Elastic Net - Average arm, small leg knee, amputations - 1 Each - Model NONNET05 by MEDLINE INDUSTRIES Favored by wound care nurses everywhere. This tubular retainer net holds dressings firmly in place. It is an essential product for use with fragile, geriatric, pediatric, and at-risk skin, or those allergic to tape.-Rayon/polyester knitted elastic net tube holds dressings firmly in place and reduces dressing time-Soft, open weave does not constrict-Easily cut to customize length-Accommodates virtually any part of the body from finger to XX large torso-Latex-Free and neoprene free |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |