The influence of tourniquet ischaemia on post-operative degranulation of polymorphonuclear granulocytes.

Degranulation of polymorphonuclear granulocytes following minor surgery and the contributory role of temporary tissue ischaemia in a limb were examined in 22 otherwise healthy patients undergoing elective arthroscopy under general anaesthesia with and without tourniquet. Apart from an increase in lactate levels following tourniquet release there was no difference in complement split product C3d, cortisol, leukocyte or creatinine kinase levels between the two groups. There was a post-operative increase in the plasma E alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor concentration, whereas lactoferrin values decreased 4 h following tourniquet deflation. Anaesthesia and minor surgery are followed by post-operative release of polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase. This release is not related to complement activation and is apparently unaffected by 50 min of lower limb ischaemia. Anaesthesia and minor surgery do not cause lactoferrin release.