The effect of post-operative bleeding on compartment pressure.
The effect of post-operative haemorrhage on intra-compartmental pressure has been studied in a primate model. The common practice of closing a wound and applying a compression bandage before deflating the tourniquet is shown to raise intra-compartmental pressure. Subsequent tourniquet release causes a further rise in pressure. Post-operative intra-compartmental pressure remains significantly higher during the first 3 hours of reperfusion in limbs bandaged prior to tourniquet release than in limbs in which the tourniquet is released and haemostasis gained before compression bandaging is applied.
University of Natal Medical School, Congella, South Africa.
M
M
Mars
D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D010215:Papio; D011312:Pressure; D014111:Tourniquets