The amount of time that a patient should not eat or drink varies by procedure and the preferences of the health care professional. In addition to not eating before surgery, a patient should also have a relatively light, healthy last meal before beginning the fast and not smoke or drink alcohol.
Definition of amputate. amputated. ; amputating. transitive verb. : to remove by or as if by cutting; especially : to cut (a part, such as a limb) from the body.
In this Article. Amputation is the surgical removal of all or part of a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger. About 1.8 million Americans are living with amputations. Amputation of the leg -- either above or below the knee -- is the most common amputation surgery. Reasons for Amputation.