AUGUSTA, Ga. – Each year, nearly 200,000 Americans face the life-altering decision of undergoing a limb amputation. However, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary medical team, some of those individuals may have a chance to avoid this devastating procedure. At Doctors Hospital in Augusta, the Limb-Preservation Program is offering patients a new hope, utilizing a team-based approach to save limbs and improve lives.

Dr. Aaron Hurd, a Vascular Surgeon at Doctors Hospital, plays a key role in the program’s success. He emphasizes the importance of working with a variety of specialists to address the underlying causes that may lead to amputation. “Other medical professionals come together as a multidisciplinary team to save someone’s leg or arm, preventing an amputation,” Dr. Hurd explains. “It really does take a village.”

The program brings together a wide range of medical professionals, including vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, burn specialists, and endocrinologists, all working in unison to treat patients. What makes this program unique is its connection with the JMS Burn Center, recognized as the number one burn center in the country. This partnership provides an added layer of expertise, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments and resources that can make all the difference in preserving a limb.

Dr. Hurd describes the comprehensive benefits of the Limb-Preservation Program, noting that it goes beyond just saving a limb. “The big benefit is it improves people’s functional independence, helps manage pain, and most importantly, it prevents amputation,” he says. “Losing a limb is a significant event in someone’s life, and we’re here to support them through that process.”

Conditions like peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot infections, and critical limb ischemia are common culprits behind the need for amputation. Additionally, some patients suffer from severe burns or wounds that can threaten their limbs. In these cases, the Limb-Preservation Program offers an alternative to amputation by utilizing advanced techniques and the combined expertise of various specialists to save the affected limb.

The hospital encourages individuals who may be at risk for amputation due to these conditions to seek out information and explore the available resources. By raising awareness of these options, Doctors Hospital hopes to empower patients to take proactive steps in preserving their limbs and, ultimately, improving their overall quality of life.

For those facing the possibility of amputation, the Limb-Preservation Program at Doctors Hospital offers a lifeline, demonstrating that with the right care and support, it is possible to avoid a life-changing procedure and regain independence.