Background: Lower limb amputation is a major but preventable public health problem in a developing nation such as India. It is a burden for the patients as well as their families not only economically but also socially and psychologically. The duration of treatment lasts from a few days to several months and depends on the extent of disease, level of amputation and patient’s comorbid status. The purpose of this study is to outline the demographics, various indications and the complications of lower limb amputations, the newer interventions in the management of lower limb amputations and to evaluate our experience in managing such patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Methodology: This is a prospective study done between the period of December 2019 and December 2020 at Sapthagiri Medical College and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. All patients undergoing lower limb amputation during this time period were included in the study.

Results: A total of 50 patients were included into the study. Majority of the patients were males (72%). The most common indication for major limb amputation is peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) 50% and Diabetic foot in 36.96%. Below knee amputation was the most common procedure performed in 52.17%. The most common additional procedures performed were wound debridement in 23.91%, secondary suturing in 19.57%. Revision amputation rate was 8.7%. Post-operative complication rate was 39.13% and surgical site infection was the most common complication accounting for 17.39%. 8% of the patients underwent vascular interventions which prevented major limb loss.

Conclusion: Diabetic foot and PAOD of lower limbs that progressed to gangrene are the most common indications for lower limb amputations, majority of which can be prevented by health education and early presentation. Appropriate management by applying newer trends such as vascular intervention can help in reducing morbidity.