Limb salvage surgery in India is used to repair and restore a limb that has been diseased due to cancer. It is an attempt to save your limb when amputation is the only alternative. It is also known as limb-sparing surgery, where the cancer surgeon in Delhi makes efforts to prevent you from losing a limb without compromising your overall health. 

Surgery is a common option for people suffering from osteosarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma in an arm or a leg. 

Musculoskeletal Onco Surgeons in India, considering limb salvage surgery vs. amputation, want to ensure that the surgery can succeed. A successfully salvaged limb is free of disease, works as it should and has an acceptable cosmetic result.

Whether this is possible for your limb will depend on the specifics of your condition, including the extent of your disease. If a tumour is too big or has grown into the surrounding structures, it may not be possible to remove it without damaging important functional parts. Similarly, if an infection has spread too far or caused too much damage, it may not be possible to save your limb.

This blog by Cross Border Care, the best treatment consultants in India for international patients, will tell you everything about limb-sparing surgery in India. 

Osteosarcoma Treatment India: The Limb Understanding Limb Salvage Surgery in India: Hope Beyond AmputationSparing Surgery

In this, the cancer and the surrounding normal tissue are removed, but the limb is left intact. Limb salvage surgery is a very complex operation. The primary challenge is to remove the entire tumour while still leaving the nearby tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to keep as much of the limb functioning as possible. If the cancer has grown to these structures, they will have to be removed, too. In such cases, osteosarcoma doctors in India consider limb amputation. 

The section of bone that is removed along with the osteosarcoma is replaced with a piece of bone from another part of the body or another person (a bone graft) or with an artificial device made of metal and other materials that replaces part or all of a bone (an internal prosthesis). Some newer devices combine a graft and a prosthesis.

The Limb Salvage Surgery in India: Let’s Get Into Details

What Is Limb Salvage Surgery? 

Limb salvage surgery is a surgical process of removing the damaged or diseased bone in the limb (arm or leg) affected by the malignant tumour without actually removing the limb. A bone graft is then used to replace the removed bone. This graft can be of two types:

• Autograft: A bone graft taken from the patient’s own body
• Allograft: A bone graft taken from another person
• Allo-prosthetic composite: A blend of bone graft and metal implant

The surgery goal is to help save the use and appearance of the limb with minimal complications while maintaining the limb’s acceptable functionality. It is also known as limb-sparing surgery.

How is limb Salvage Surgery Done in India? 

The limb salvage surgery is performed in three steps: 

• If the osteosarcoma tumor is low-grade, the surgeon in India will remove the cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue. If the cancer is high-grade, the surgeon will remove the affected muscle, bone, and other tissues. 
• The replacement is made with a prosthesis ( metal implant), a piece of bone taken from the patient’s own body ( autologous ), or a piece of bone taken from the donor’s body, which is frozen until needed ( allograft). 
• Other procedures like skeletal reconstruction and tendon transfer are performed if needed. 
• Chemo and radiation are given along with limb salvage surgery in India to treat slow-spreading bone cancers. 
• The total hospital stay is 2 weeks, and antibiotics are used to prevent blood clots and infection. 
• The patient is advised to undergo physiotherapy post-operation. 

What is the cost of Limb Salvage Surgery in India? 

Compared to countries like the US, UK, and Europe, the patients who get limb salvage surgery in India can save approximately 30 to 40 % of the overall medical costs. The factors that determine the cost of limb salvage surgery in India are: 

• Type of hospital
• Qualification of the doctor
• Location of the hospital
• Pre and post-operative tests, and so on

That is the primary reason why many international patients choose to get this surgery in India. 

What are the advantages of limb salvage surgery over amputation? 

Limb salvage surgery in India offers several advantages over amputation, especially when the goal is to preserve as much of the natural limb function and appearance as possible. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Preservation of Function: One of the most significant advantages is the preservation of limb function. By saving the limb, the patient can maintain a greater range of motion and mobility compared to amputation. This allows for better functionality in daily activities, such as walking or gripping objects.

1. Improved Quality of Life: Keeping the limb intact often leads to a better quality of life. For many patients, retaining their natural limb allows them to continue engaging in physical activities and work and maintain a sense of normalcy in their appearance.

1. Reduced Need for Prosthetics: With limb salvage surgery, patients typically avoid the need for a prosthesis, which can be uncomfortable, difficult to adapt to, and require ongoing maintenance. Learning to use a prosthetic limb effectively can also take time.

1. Lower Risk of Complications: In some cases, amputation can lead to complications such as infection, issues with the prosthetic, or poor healing. Limb salvage surgery, when successful, avoids these potential challenges and can often result in a better long-term prognosis.

1. Psychological Benefits: The psychological impact of losing a limb can be profound, affecting a person’s self-esteem and mental well-being. Limb salvage surgery allows patients to maintain their body image and often helps reduce the emotional burden associated with amputation.

1. Potential for Long-Term Recovery: Limb salvage surgery can allow for rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain function over time. For certain conditions, the preserved limb can continue to be functional after surgery with the right rehabilitation, whereas amputation might require a lengthy process of adjusting to a prosthetic.

1. Better Cosmetic Outcome: Retaining the limb can help avoid visible and often noticeable changes to the body after amputation. This is particularly important for people concerned with the aesthetic aspects of losing a limb.

What is the success rate of limb salvage surgery in India? 

The success rate is mostly 95 %. Also, the psychological effects of amputation are not easily accepted by an individual. With limb salvage surgery, a patient can feel more confident in life. Limb salvage surgery in India is no doubt a complex surgery, but with occupational therapy and psychological support, people can live a quality life. 

Who are the best doctors for limb salvage surgery in India? 

Dr Akshay Tiwari 

Dr Akshay Tiwari is the director and head of Musculoskeletal Oncology at Max Healthcare Saket. He has more than 22 years of experience and is experienced in limb salvage surgery, which is very complex in India. He has performed more than 1,500 surgeries exclusively for patients suffering from bone and soft tissue tumors. 

Which is the best hospital for limb salvage surgery in India? 

Max Healthcare is recognized as one of the best hospitals for limb salvage surgery in India due to its exceptional medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and comprehensive patient care. The hospital boasts a team of highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons, vascular specialists, and rehabilitation experts who work together to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. 

Their proficiency in advanced surgical techniques, including the latest in reconstructive and limb-preserving procedures, ensures optimal outcomes for patients with complex conditions such as trauma, tumours, or infections that threaten limb functionality.

Max Healthcare’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its use of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, including 3D imaging and robotic-assisted surgeries, which enhance precision and minimize the risk of complications. The hospital also strongly focuses on post-surgery rehabilitation, offering specialized physiotherapy and support services to help patients regain mobility and independence.

Moreover, Max Healthcare’s patient-centric approach ensures a holistic care experience, emphasizing emotional support, comfort, and education. The hospital’s clean and modern facilities, combined with a compassionate team, create a healing environment where patients feel safe and well cared for throughout their treatment journey. This comprehensive approach, along with a track record of successful outcomes, makes Max Healthcare the best choice for limb salvage surgery.

Why is limb salvage surgery a complex surgery?

Limb-sparing surgery is a very complex surgery, and very few doctors in India perform it. The surgery requires extreme precision to remove tumours while making sure that the surrounding blood vessels, muscles and joints are preserved. Even a small mistake can lead to complications like damage to the limb. 

That is why we are here to help you connect to the best limb-sparing surgeons in India who ensure a 100 per cent success rate. All you have to do is mail your reports to info@crossborderscare.com, and Dr Nadeem Khan will take them from there. He will handle your case with utmost dedication and make your stay in India comfortable. At Cross Border Care, we promise to deliver the best for you. So, if you are an osteosarcoma patient, contact us today!!