Clinical Effect of Nurses' Temperature Control on Post-Finger Replantation Vascular Complications.

BACKGROUND

Temperature regulation plays a crucial role in supporting postsurgical microcirculation. However, organized nursing practices for implementing temperature regulation still need more comprehensive clinical assessment and evaluation. Additionally, finger replants are a significant source of vascular complications that can jeopardize both the surgical procedure and the healing process for patients.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of controlled temperatures administered by licensed nurses on the incidence of vascular complications and the prompt reporting of complications following finger replantation surgery.

METHODS

This prospective controlled trial was conducted on 90 patients at Nanjing Tongren Hospital, China, between March 2024 to December 2024. Patients were assigned to an intervention group (45 patients) who were managed for temperature by continuous monitoring and adjustment by the nursing team, while the control group consisted of 45 patients managed according to standard postoperative protocol. Vascular condition was assessed both clinically and through Doppler ultrasonography for seven days postoperatively. Rates of complications were determined through relevant statistics.

RESULTS

The incidence of vascular complications was lower in the study group compared to the control group (11.1% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.01). The diagnosis of vascular compromise was also earlier in the study group (12.4 vs. 18.7 hours, P < 0.001), and the incidence of re-explorations and the length of stay were reduced (8.2 vs. 10.5 days, P = 0.02). There was a trend toward improved microcirculatory stability within the study group, and no complications related to temperature control were observed during the study.

CONCLUSION

Nurse-managed temperature control may serve as a valuable addition to postoperative care for patients who have undergone finger replantation. The evidence suggests that this approach is linked to a reduced incidence of vascular complications and to an earlier recognition of compromised status. However, larger studies are necessary to determine causation and to clarify the contributions of the individual components of temperature control protocols.