OBJECTIVETo investigate the application of tourniquet in burn patients during tangential excision on the extremities.

METHODSSeventy - nine burn patients who were arranged to receive tangential excision and skin grafting on the extremities were randomly divided into A and B groups. The patients in A group (n = 41) underwent the operation with the tourniquet applied continuously throughout the operation, while those in B group (n = 38), only with tourniquet applied during tangential excision. The amounts of blood loss and blood transfusion, the operation time and the take rate of grafted skin and the incidence of complications were investigated and recorded.

RESULTSThe amounts of blood loss and blood transfusion during operation in A group were 42% and 50% less than those in B group, respectively (P < 0.001). Moreover, the operation time on the upper and lower extremities in A group was much shorter (for 41% and 37%, respectively) than those in B group (P < 0.001). In addition, there was no difference of the take rate of skin graft and the incidence of subcutaneous hematoma between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONContinuous tourniquet application during tangential excision on the extremities in burn patients was proved to be effective in reducing operational blood loss, blood transfusion and in shortening operation time.