Everything You Should Know About Limb Salvage Surgery

There are a number of health conditions that can lead to the need for limb amputation. Losing a limb changes the way you function, limiting your mobility and independence. Fortunately, many people can avoid amputation with limb salvage surgery. 

At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, our team of wound care specialists perform limb salvage surgery as one of many services made available to residents of McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas. John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, can quickly determine if this approach is the best fit for your needs, and guide you through the next steps. 

Here’s what you should know about limb salvage surgery, also known as limb-sparing surgery, and how it can improve your quality of life. 

When is limb salvage surgery necessary?

Limb salvage surgery is a procedure that seeks to remove enough damaged tissue to preserve a limb and avoid the need for a full amputation. There are a number of different health conditions that can lead to a need for limb salvage surgery. They include:

• Metastatic bone cancer
• Soft tissue infection (gangrene)
• Joint infection (septic arthritis) 
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Soft tissue sarcomas
• Bone tissue sarcomas
• Advanced diabetic foot ulcers
• Traumatic injury

Limb salvage surgery removes damaged tissue while conserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The goal is to leave you with a disease-free limb that functions as it should and looks as good as it possibly can. 

What happens during limb salvage surgery?

Our team begins by assessing your limb and providing you with all possible treatment options. If limb salvage surgery is the best approach, we’ll explain what to expect in terms of the procedure itself, aftercare, and what life might look like once the healing process is complete. 

During the procedure, you’ll likely be under general anesthesia and not aware of what’s happening. While our team heads into the procedure with a good idea of what needs to be accomplished, the surgical experience is dynamic, and the exact steps involved may change. 

One of the most common areas of focus during limb salvage surgery is revascularization. This involves repairing any damaged blood vessels and restoring proper blood flow to the affected area. Small vascular tissue grafts are sometimes performed. 

Bone and skin grafting is often part of limb salvage procedures. That tissue can come from another area of your body or from a donor. Prosthesis is another way to increase bone tissue, and works by placing a biocompatible, medical-grade implant. 

Often, several of these techniques are used during limb salvage surgery. Once your specialist is pleased with the repairs, the final step is closing the incisions and applying a sterile dressing. 

Why choose limb salvage surgery?

Most people who choose limb salvage surgery are facing a high risk of amputation, which is the surgical removal of all or part of a limb. While no one wants to lose any part of their limbs, most people feel that limb salvage surgery is a better alternative to amputation. 

One of the biggest benefits of limb salvage surgery is the chance to retain limb functionality. This is especially true for those facing a lower limb amputation, where the ability to walk would be compromised. 

Aesthetics is also a common concern. Very often, limb salvage surgery results in a better cosmetic outcome than amputation. Many people who have limb salvage surgery on a foot are able to wear normal shoes once the healing process is complete. 

Recovery from limb salvage surgery can be lengthy

Your recovery process depends on the extent of tissue damage you had going into the process as well as the surgical techniques performed during the procedure. Your overall health will also factor into how well you move through the phases of healing and recovery. 

You’ll likely remain in the hospital for a few days after your procedure. Once you’re home, it takes a while for your body to adjust. Many people need a couple of months to recover before they can resume normal activities. 

Our team will explain what to expect every step of the way during your surgical consultation. We also provide clear guidelines on how you can ease your recovery at home. Following this guidance is a critical part of a successful healing  journey. 

If you’re considering limb salvage surgery, contact your nearest Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, office in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, to schedule a visit today