Bloodless Limb Surgery

Bloodless limb surgery means the operation is performed without bleeding (image right). It is achieved by:

• Shifting blood from the limb into the rest of the body (called “exsanguination”)
• Blocking the re-entry of blood into the limb (tourniquet).

Bloodless limb surgery cuts down blood-loss and makes it easier for the surgeon to see what s/he is doing. It also reduces the need for tying or burning bleeding blood vessels during surgery. This shortens the procedure’s duration.