The Effect of Post-Operative Bleeding on Compartment Pressure

Abstract

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.