Which complication is associated with the use of a tourniquet during surgery?

Using a tourniquet during surgery is an effective technique to control blood flow to a surgical site, but it is essential to be aware of potential complications. Neuropraxia or nerve injury is a known complication associated with tourniquet use. When a tourniquet is applied, it exerts pressure that can interfere with blood supply to the area below the applied pressure. Extended pressure can lead to ischemia of the surrounding tissues, including nerves. This ischemia may result in temporary or, in some cases, permanent nerve damage, manifesting as neuropraxia.

Neuropraxia typically presents with symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the area innervated by the affected nerve. The risk of this complication increases with the duration of tourniquet inflation and the tightness of the application. Therefore, practitioners must take care to monitor tourniquet time and ensure proper placement to minimize these risks, reinforcing the importance of vigilance during surgeries where tourniquets are employed.

In contrast, while other complications such as hemorrhage, mild discomfort, or low blood volume may be relevant in surgical contexts, they are not directly associated with tourniquet use in the same way that neuropraxia is.