Sterile silicone ring tourniquets in limb surgery : A prospective clinical trial in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery

Abstract

Background Sterile silicone ring tourniquets reduce intraoperative bleeding and provide a wide surgical view. Moreover, sterile silicone ring tourniquets reduce the risk of contamination and are more economical than conventional pneumatic tourniquets. The present study describes the perioperative outcomes of sterile silicone ring tourniquet placement in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Methods This study prospectively recruited 27 pediatric patients aged < 18 years who underwent 30 orthopedic surgeries between March and September 2021. Following complete surgical draping, all operations were initiated by placing sterile silicone ring tourniquets. We investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients, details about the tourniquet used, and intra- and postoperative outcomes of tourniquet placement. Results Thanks to the narrowness of tourniquet bands (< 2 cm) and tourniquet placement at the proximal ends of the extremities, wide surgical fields were achieved, without limiting joint range of motion. Bleeding control was effective. Tourniquets were applied and removed rapidly and safely, regardless of limb circumference. None of the patients experienced postoperative pain, paresthesia, skin problems at the application site, surgical site infections, ischemic problems, or deep vein thrombosis. Conclusions Sterile silicone ring tourniquets effectively reduced intraoperative blood loss and facilitated wide operative fields in pediatric patients with various limb sizes. These tourniquets allow for quick, safe, and effective orthopedic surgery on pediatric patients.