US Medical Term · procedures
Amputation
Amputación
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Amputation |
| Spanish (Español) | Amputación |
| Chinese (中文) | 截肢術 |
| Korean (한국어) | 절단술 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phẫu thuật cắt cụt chi |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Amputation |
| Portuguese (Português) | Amputação |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตัดแขนหรือขา |
| Japanese (日本語) | 切断術 |
What it means
Amputation is surgery to remove a limb or part of a limb, such as a finger, toe, foot, leg, arm, or hand. It is performed when a limb is severely damaged by injury, has poor circulation due to diabetes or vascular disease, or is affected by cancer or severe infection that cannot be controlled. The goal is to preserve as much function as possible and to prevent life-threatening spread of infection. Surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia. Recovery involves wound healing, pain management, and psychological support. Physical rehabilitation and prosthetic fitting are important parts of long-term recovery. Phantom limb sensations, where the missing limb still feels present, are common after amputation.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor says the infection in my foot has spread too far and an amputation may be necessary.
Mi médico dice que la infección en mi pie se ha extendido demasiado y puede ser necesaria una amputación.
Will I be able to use a prosthetic limb after the amputation?
¿Podré usar una prótesis después de la amputación?
What kind of therapy will I need after an amputation to regain my independence?
¿Qué tipo de terapia necesitaré después de la amputación para recuperar mi independencia?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026