A TECHNIQUE OF HEMOSTASIS OF THE EXTREMITIES AFTER DEBRIDEMENT OF BURN WOUNDS

A technique used to achieve prompt haemostasis in burned wounds of the extremities is described. After tangential debridement using a tourniquet, thrombin solution (1000 units in 1 ml of saline solution) is applied on the entire wound. Immediately after removing the tourniquet; the wound is tightly wrapped with a thin plastic film and a pressure bandage over the entire wound. The pressure bandage is kept on for approximately 10 min after removing the tourniquet. With this procedure, haemostasis of the capillary oozing can be promptly and completely achieved. Furthermore, arterial and venous haemostasis can also be achieved, with clots present at the arterial and venous haemorrhagic points. As these clots can be removed easily, ligation or electrocoagulation is necessary. This technique is especially useful for haemostasis in a wound of the extremity after tangential excision leading to decreasing blood loss.