Application of tourniquet in amputation for lower limb gangrene / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety of using a tourniquet in amputation for lower limb gangrene. MethodsAll patients underwent amputation for lower limb gangrene from January, 2009 to June, 2023 in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were reviewed, involving 41 patients with a total of 44 limbs, and they were divided into non-tourniquet group (n = 28) and tourniquet group (n = 16) according to whether a tourniquet was used during surgery. The amputation field clearness, surgical bleeding, incision healing, reoperation rate within 30 days post-operation, intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate, and operation time were compared. ResultsThe amputation field was clearer in the tourniquet group (χ2 = 42.385, P < 0.001), with less bleeding (Z = -2.082, P < 0.05). No tourniquet-related local damages, such as nerve damage and skin injuries, was observed in the limbs using tourniquets. The incidence of grade A of incision healing was not significantly different (χ2 = 0.028, P = 0.624). ConclusionApplication of tourniquet can improve the amputation field clearness and reduce bleeding during amputation for lower limb gangrene, without affecting incision healing.