Surgery using a tourniquet on Arm with LE

ProudMom_Wife

Hello all,

I have not been here for quite some time but really need some guidance regarding surgery to my arm which has lymphedema.

I broke my arm right below my wrist yesterday. They tried to straighten it in the ER, put me in a splint. The X-Rays looked good but they wanted it reviewed by a specialist.

Saw the specialist today, who is aware of my lymphedema in this arm. He said my arm is not completely straight and if I leave it as is my movement will be limited and I will probably have pain most of the time and develop arthritis.

If I have surgery to straighten it, they will place a plate and pins to keep it straight until the bones heel. Might still have pain and arthritis, but it will not be as bad, plus I should regain almost all mobility.

For this type of surgery they primarily use a tourniquet on the arm to localize the numbing and give the patient medication to make them drowsy but not full anesthesia.

I believe the surgery is the best option for me, but concerned about the tourniquet. Should I insist on full anesthesia instead of the tourniquet? Am I being paranoid? I know my LE will be worse regardless if I have the surgery, but not sure what to do about the procedure.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thank you.

vlnrph

If general anesthesia is an option, I might go for that. Sound like the alternative is a type of conscious sedation.

Since we need to avoid blood pressure cuffs on our affected arm, I can't imagine using a tourniquet. I can see how the procedure described would be less expensive and preferable for most patients but not those of us with LE.

Our delicate lymph vessels are already damaged and not working properly. I would try to to protect what function is left and not stress them further.

ProudMom_Wife

Thank you vinrph! That is what I am thinking too. Just wasn't sure if I was being a difficult patient and worrying for no reason.