The Role Of Pneumatic Tourniquet In Surgery For Dupuytren’S Disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a benign proliferative disorder of the palmar fascia that results in the formation of bands, nodules, contracture, and tendon-like bands in palmar aponeurosis and its digital extensions. A pneumatic tourniquet is frequently used in upper extremity surgery, because it offers the advantages of facilitating surgical procedures by offering a bloodless surgical field, limiting transfusion requirements, and the time of surgery. The use of a tourniquet may provide convenience to the surgeon, but it can also cause reperfusion injury and nerve damage in prolonged and inappropriate use. The present study investigated the effects of using a pneumatic tourniquet in reducing complications after surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture. A total of 28 patients, who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2013 due to Dupuytren’s contracture, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, tourniquet group, and Group 2, non-tourniquet group. The patients in the two groups were compared in terms of predisposing factors, family history, complications, surgery time, and wound healing. The goal in the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease is the removal of palmar fascia by surgical means. Although it is suggested that the use of tourniquet in the surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture provides surgical safety, the present study did not find statistical differences. Along with the use of a tourniquet, the precision and experience of the surgeon might have also contributed to the low rate of complications.