preview

Essay On Fasciotomy For Compartment Syndrome

Decent Essays

Fasciotomy for Compartment Syndrome

Fasciotomy for compartment syndrome is a surgical procedure that is performed to quickly relieve pressure around a muscle and restore blood flow to the area. Muscles are surrounded by a thin but tough layer of tissue (fascia). If your muscles begin to swell inside the fascia, blood flow to the muscles can be cut off and your muscles may die if the pressure is not relieved. This condition is called compartment syndrome. Trauma, such as a crushing injury or a complicated broken bone, is the most common cause. The most common areas to have compartment syndrome are the leg below the knee and the arm below the elbow.
Fasciotomy for compartment syndrome is usually performed as an urgent procedure. It is important …show more content…

Your exact procedure will depend on where your compartment syndrome is located. In general, the following occurs during this procedure:
• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
• You will be given a medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
• You may be given antibiotics to help prevent infection.
• Your surgeon will make one or more cuts (incisions) in the area where the compartment syndrome is located.
• Your incisions may not be closed during surgery. Instead, they may be covered with bandages (dressings) until the pressure in the area decreases.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• You will be given medicine for pain.
• You may continue to receive fluids and antibiotics through the IV.
• Your incision will be checked and your dressing will be changed regularly.
• You will be re-evaluated in the operating room in the next few days. At this time, further treatments or wound closure will be performed. This may include stitches (sutures) and a procedure to cover an area of damaged or missing skin with a piece of healthy skin (skin

Get Access