Indications and complications of lower extremity amputations in two tertiary hospitals in the North West Region of Cameroon

INTRODUCTION: the study aimed to outline the common indications and complications of lower extremity amputations among amputated patients in two tertiary hospitals in the North West Region of Cameroon. METHODS: this hospital based retrospective study was conducted in the Bamenda Regional Hospital and Mbingo Baptist Hospital over a 5-year period from 2015-2019. We identified and reviewed amputee´s medical records over the 5-year period. A well designed extraction form was used for data collection and the data obtained was analysed using Epi-info version 7.2.4. RESULTS: a total of 148 patients underwent 159 amputations in Bamenda Regional Hospital and Mbingo Baptist Hospital with a mean age of 54.28 years (SD ±19.28). Males out-numbered females with a ratio of 2: 1. The most common indication for lower extremity amputation was Diabetic foot gangrene (42.14%) followed by trauma (22.01%). The most frequently performed procedure was Below Knee Amputation (48.42%). Post-amputation complication rate was recorded at 40.25% with surgical site infection being the most common (25.8%). Mortality rate was recorded at 6.28%. CONCLUSION: diabetic foot gangrene is the leading indication of lower limb amputation in our setting and the most frequently performed procedure is Below Knee Amputation with surgical site infection being the most common complication.