Abstract: Translumbar amputation, also known as hemicorporectomy, is a life-saving procedure for patients with a life-threatening diagnosis but with a normal life expectancy. In the surgical procedure, the pelvis, pelvic contents, lower extremities and external genitalia are removed following transection of the lumbar spine. The operation makes the patient lose the ability of being upright. With the interdisciplinary cooperation of doctors, nurses, prosthetists, psychologists, vocational rehabilitation workers and social rehabilitation workers, the patient can realize most of independent activities of daily living through rehabilitation. The rehabilitation associated with the procedure is reviewed.

Key words: translumbar amputation, hemicorporectomy, prosthesis, rehabilitation, review