A review of amputation, phantom pain and nursing responsibilities.

Phantom pain is a common phenomenon among amputee patients. It is usually reported during the immediate postoperative period but can persist for up to 2 years. Sixty per cent of patients can still experience phantom pain 7 years postamputation and it has even been reported 30 years postamputation. Pain of any type, which persists for more than 7 months, is difficult to treat and is often unresponsive to analgesia, including opioids. A large percentage of patients undergoing amputation have experienced chronic pain before their operation. Chronic pain is known to affect adversely patients' quality of life, and ability to function and achieve quality sleep. Nurses, therefore, need to address not only the physical aspects of amputation and phantom pain but also the psychological aspects.