Contribution of the Tourniquet in the Prevention of Haemorrhages during Myomectomies at the University Hospital of Brazzaville

Abstract

Objective: To check the effectiveness of tourniquet in the prevention of haemorrhage during myomectomies at the University Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study, conducted at the University Hospital of Brazzaville from June 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016. Recruitment was performed by randomly matching each case of myomectomy performed using a tourniquet with two cases of myomectomy without tourniquet (50 cases vs 100 witnesses). We used as a tourniquet, the surgical glove knotted and tightened sufficiently at the level of the isthmus of the uterus to temporarily occlude the uterine arteries to ensure haemostasis lasting no more than one hour. Results: The mean age of the patients was similar in both groups (36, 1 ± 2.2 years vs 36.2 ± 1.9 years, P > 0.05). Menorrhagia was the most common indication of myomectomy in both groups (76% vs. 78% P > 0.05). The mean haemoglobin level of the patients before the myomectomies was 9.03 ± 1.10 g/dl vs 9, 75 ± 1.29 g/dl; P > 0.05. Intraoperative uterine features were similar in size (18 weeks gestation, 14 -24) and number of myomas (5 vs 4, P > 0.05) in both groups. Polymyomectomy was more common in both groups (76% vs 73%, P > 0.05). Blood loss was reduced in the tourniquet group (90.5 ± 4.6 ml vs 200.4 ± 5.6 ml; P < 0.05), as well as the use of blood transfusion (8% vs 50%, P < 0.05). Use of the number of sutures was reduced in the group with tourniquet (3 ± 0.2 vs 6 ± 0.2 P < 0.05). The duration of the procedure was shorter in the group with tourniquet (51.5 ± 4 min vs 83 ± 7 min, P < 0.05). Postoperative mean haemoglobin of patients was no different between the two groups (9.4 ± 0.7 g/dl vs 9.2 ± 0.5, P > 0.05). The overall cost of management was reduced in the group with tourniquet (190,680 ± 1450 F CFA vs 256,800 ± 2350 FCFA; P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of tourniquet during myomectomies significantly reduces blood loss and the use of blood transfusion. We also obtain the notorious reduction in the use of sutures, the duration of interventions, and the overall cost of care. Thus, we encourage the systematic use of tourniquet during myomectomies by laparotomy.