BACKGROUND: Amputation is a common surgical procedure for which there are several indications. There are few research works on the profile of amputation in Lagos. OBJECTIVE: The study is to determine the pattern of amputation at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, and to identify the indications, types, morbidity and mortality associated with amputation. METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between Jan.2007 and Dec. 2009. All records of patients were retrieved and selected data collated. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients presented between Jan. 2007 and Dec. 2009 with various indications for amputation. The mean age was 43.0 +/- 19.4 years. Male: female ratio was 1.7 to 1. Diabetic foot gangrene was the leading cause of amputation occurring in 55.14% of patients studied. Other major indications were trauma and malignancies. Below-knee amputation was the commonest type done (46.6%). Sepsis was the commonest complication (11.8%). The mortality rate of 11.8% was mainly due to co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: Amputation in our centre is more likely to be done on males and diabetics. Majority was below knee and was associated with significant mortality. Increasing public enlightenment and early presentation are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality as well as improve limb salvage in our population.
BACKGROUND: Amputation is a common surgical procedure for which there are several indications. There are few research works on the profile of amputation in Lagos. OBJECTIVE: The study is to determine the pattern of amputation at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, and to identify the indications, types, morbidity and mortality associated with amputation. METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between Jan.2007 and Dec. 2009. All records of patients were retrieved and selected data collated. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients presented between Jan. 2007 and Dec. 2009 with various indications for amputation. The mean age was 43.0 +/- 19.4 years. Male: female ratio was 1.7 to 1. Diabetic foot gangrene was the leading cause of amputation occurring in 55.14% of patients studied. Other major indications were trauma and malignancies. Below-knee amputation was the commonest type done (46.6%). Sepsis was the commonest complication (11.8%). The mortality rate of 11.8% was mainly due to co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: Amputation in our centre is more likely to be done on males and diabetics. Majority was below knee and was associated with significant mortality. Increasing public enlightenment and early presentation are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality as well as improve limb salvage in our population.