Ring removal from a swollen finger: a refined technique.

A ring or circular object (wide steel band/nut) impaled on a swollen finger can be most difficult to remove. Likewise, wedding rings in the preoperative setting do not necessarily need to be cut off. This not previously described method uses a Penrose drain to wrap out the finger, an Esmarch or Ace elastic bandage to exsanguinate the extremity, and a constantly inflated surgical tourniquet or blood pressure cuff to keep out any influx of blood while the swollen finger is being decompressed repeatedly with a reapplication of the Penrose drain. The equipment for removal is readily available in all medical offices or emergency departments. This article presents a solution to a common problem.