What is the maximum duration a tourniquet should be inflated to prevent lower limb reperfusion?

The maximum duration a tourniquet should be inflated to prevent lower limb reperfusion is crucial in minimizing the risk of complications associated with prolonged ischemia. In general, the accepted guideline for the safe duration of tourniquet application in the context of lower limb surgeries is around 120 minutes.

Prolonged tourniquet inflation beyond this recommended limit can lead to serious complications, including irreversible muscle and nerve damage, and an increased risk of metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and compartment syndrome once the tourniquet is released.

Therefore, inflating the tourniquet for a maximum of 120 minutes ensures that the risks associated with ischemia are mitigated while still providing sufficient time for the surgical procedure to be performed effectively. In practice, monitoring during surgery is essential, and if the procedure requires longer tourniquet time, consideration should be given to deflating the tourniquet temporarily to allow for reperfusion and re-evaluation of limb viability.