Paraffin Oil for Preventing Tourniquet-Related Skin Lesions in Upper Extremity Surgery
Paraffin Oil for Preventing Tourniquet-Related Skin Lesions in Upper Extremity Surgery (PARA-TOUR RCT)
Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
90 participants
Jan 12, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of topical paraffin oil application in preventing tourniquet-related skin lesions in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery. Pneumatic tourniquets are commonly used to provide a bloodless surgical field; however, they may cause skin complications such as erythema, edema, abrasions, blisters, and burns. In this study, adult patients undergoing elective upper extremity surgery will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving topical paraffin oil application in addition to routine protective dressing or a control group receiving routine care only. Skin integrity will be assessed immediately after tourniquet removal and at 30 and 60 minutes postoperatively using standardized skin assessment criteria. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of effective, simple, and cost-efficient strategies to prevent tourniquet-related skin complications and improve patient safety and postoperative comfort.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Age ≥18 years
- Patients scheduled for elective upper extremity surgery requiring pneumatic tourniquet application
- ASA physical status I-III
- Body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m²
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Willingness to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria10
- Age <18 years
- Known dermatological disease or existing skin lesion at the tourniquet application site
- Allergy or sensitivity to paraffin oil or related substances
- Severe systemic disease (ASA IV or higher)
- Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²)
- Emergency surgery
- Patients transferred to intensive care postoperatively
- Development of major postoperative complications (e.g., hematoma, seroma, nerve injury, significant bleeding)
- Inability to communicate or comply with study procedures
- Withdrawal from the study at any time
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Interventions
Topical paraffin oil is applied to the skin area before tourniquet placement.
Locations(1)
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NCT07523958