What is the main purpose of using a tourniquet during surgery?

The primary purpose of using a tourniquet during surgery is to control bleeding. By restricting blood flow to a specific area of the body, a tourniquet helps to minimize blood loss during surgical procedures. This allows the surgeon to operate in a clearer field with reduced blood obscuring the surgical site, enabling safer and more efficient completion of the operation.

Controlling bleeding is especially critical in procedures involving the extremities, where significant blood loss can occur if vessels are not adequately occluded. With the tourniquet in place, the risk of excessive bleeding is mitigated, allowing for easier identification and management of blood vessels and ultimately improving the overall outcomes of the surgical intervention.