Prospective Analysis of Simulated Pneumatic Tourniquet Use and Oedema Following Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Abstract

Background: Tourniquet use during upper extremity surgery in patients with a history of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) remains controversial due to the perceived but unproven risk of lymphoedema. We prospectively evaluated upper extremity swelling in patients with a history of unilateral ALND using a standardised tourniquet model. Methods: A tourniquet was applied to the upper arm bilaterally, with the unaffected side serving as an internal control. Each arm was subsequently held in an elevated position to reduce swelling. Hand volume was measured using an aqueous volumeter. Results: The patients’ ALND arms experienced slightly greater increases in volume following tourniquet application compared to their healthy control arms. However, this amount of oedema was temporary and reversible, as both arms experienced spontaneous resolution of swelling with no significant difference in residual hand volume at the conclusion of the study. Conclusions: Tourniquet use may be safe in patients with a history of ALND. Further investigation is needed to verify this in a surgical setting. Level of Evidence: Level II (Therapeutic)