Stopping bleeding during surgery, also known as hemostasis, is critical for patient safety. Here's how surgeons typically achieve this:
The methods used to stop bleeding during surgery can be divided into several categories:
- Mechanical Methods: These methods physically stop the flow of blood.
- Energy-Based Methods: These methods use heat or energy to seal blood vessels.
- Pharmacological Methods: These methods involve using medications to promote clotting.
Techniques Used to Stop Bleeding During Surgery
Here's a breakdown of some common methods used during surgery to stop bleeding:
Mechanical Methods
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Pressure: Applying direct pressure to the bleeding site is a fundamental technique.
- Example: Using gauze to compress a wound.
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Sutures: Sewing up or ligating (tying off) blood vessels to close them. Your doctor may have sewn up the incision.
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Clamps: Using surgical clamps to temporarily block blood flow to an area.
Energy-Based Methods
- Cauterization (Electrocautery): Using heat from an electrical current to seal blood vessels. Your doctor may have cauterized (sealed) the incision.
- Laser Surgery: Using a laser beam to cut and coagulate tissues.
- Argon Beam Coagulation: Using argon gas and electrical current to coagulate blood.
Pharmacological Methods (Medications)
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Topical Hemostatic Agents: Applying substances directly to the wound to promote clotting. Examples include:
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- Gelfoam: A gelatin sponge that absorbs blood and promotes clot formation.
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- Surgical: A cellulose-based material that encourages clot formation.
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- Thrombin: An enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin, a key component of blood clots.
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Systemic Medications: Administering drugs that help the body form blood clots. Your doctor also may have given you medicines that help stop the bleeding.
Surgical Intervention
In some cases, further surgery may be required to control bleeding, especially if it's internal. You may have had surgery to stop bleeding inside the surgery area.
