Abstract
Objective. Self-amputation is a drastic type of self-mutilation seldom undertaken by the mentally ill. Efficiency of surgical treatment depends to a large extent on the patient 's mental state.
Case. The paper reports the treatment of a female patient who self-amputated her left hand under the influence of auditory hallucinations.
Commentary. Psychotic symptoms that contributed to her self-mutilation had no significant effect either on the surgical management of this case or on effects of her rehabilitation. Since a long-term treatment ofself-amputees at the surgery department is necessary, is seems that the staff members should have some training in rudiments ofpsychiatry.