Two cases of compartment syndrome of the lower extremities during surgery for gynecological malignancies

Acute limb ischemia following perineal reconstruction in lithotomy position: take-home message for plastic surgeons

Despite the extensive use of lithotomy position in several plastic surgery procedures, most reports regarding the related incidence of complications are presented in the urologic, gynecologic, and anesthesiologic fields. We present the case of a 54-year-old male patient. polytrauma patient who underwent internal iliac artery embolization leading to extensive gluteal necrosis requiring: debridement, abdominoperineal resection and composite anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction with prolonged lithotomy position. The patient presented lower limb ischemia briefly after surgical theater. A computed tomography scan revealed the obstruction of the left superficial femoral artery requiring emergency revascularization. Arterial thrombosis is a potentially devastating complication and plastic surgeons should be aware of the possible dangers when performing surgeries in prolonged lithotomy position. Preoperative detection of patients at high risks for developing complications should be performed in order to implement preventive measures and avoid potentially life-threatening sequelae.

'Well-leg' compartment syndrome associated with gynaecological surgery: a perioperative risk-reduction protocol and checklist

'Well-leg' compartment syndrome (WLCS) is an uncommon, but potentially devastating, complication associated with prolonged patient positioning for abdomino-pelvic surgery. Gynaecologists, anaesthetists and the wider theatre team share a responsibility to minimise the risk of this highly morbid, and even fatal, postoperative complication. This article provides an overview of WLCS related to gynaecological surgery - raising awareness amongst gynaecologists and highlighting the time-critical nature of diagnosis and management. Given the potential litiginous nature of this complication, we also present a perioperative checklist and risk-reduction protocol to suggest a standardised approach to prevention and relevant documentation. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Gynaecologists share a responsibility to minimise the risk of postoperative 'well-leg' compartment syndrome.

Avoiding, diagnosing and treating well leg compartment syndrome after pelvic surgery

Background

Patients undergoing prolonged pelvic surgery may develop compartment syndrome of one or both lower limbs in the absence of direct trauma or pre‐existing vascular disease (well leg compartment syndrome). This condition may have devastating consequences for postoperative recovery, including loss of life or limb, and irreversible disability.

Methods

These guidelines represent the collaboration of a multidisciplinary group of colorectal, vascular and orthopaedic surgeons, acting on behalf of their specialty associations in the UK and Ireland. A systematic analysis of the available peer‐reviewed literature was undertaken to provide an evidence base from which these guidelines were developed.

Results

These guidelines encompass the risk factors (both patient‐ and procedure‐related), diagnosis and management of the condition. Key recommendations for the adoption of perioperative strategies to facilitate prevention and effective treatment of well leg compartment syndrome are presented.

Conclusion

All surgeons who carry out abdominopelvic surgical procedures should be aware of well leg compartment syndrome, and instigate policies within their own institution to reduce the risk of this potentially life‐changing complication.

Reperfusion and Compartment Syndrome After Flexible Ureteroscopy in a Patient with an Iliac Vascular Graft

Background: Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) is one of the main treatment options for urolithiasis less than 2 cm. Although fURS has no relative contraindication, some anatomical factors may need to be considered, as not all patients are suitable for the regular lithotomy position (LP). We report the case of a patient with a right iliac vascular graft that after an fURS without intraoperative incidences developed a reperfusion syndrome of the right lower limb.

Case Presentation: A 46-year-old male patient was referred for treatment and follow-up in the cystinuric clinic after being found to have a 3 cm pelvic stone with a Double-J catheter in place after two failed sessions of shockwave lithotripsy. The patient was placed in the LP and a standard ureteroscopy was done with no intraoperative complications. During the first hour in the recovery room, the patient developed severe pain in the right calf muscle stiffness, edema, and increased volume. A postreperfusion and compartment syndrome diagnosis was made with emergency fasciotomy.

Conclusion: To perform fURS, each case must be assessed individually. If a patient with an iliac vascular graft has to undergo fURS, the patient positioning must be modified by keeping the ipsilateral (or both) legs straight to avoid graft complications.

The dangers of lithotomy positioning in the operating room: case report of bilateral lower extremity compartment syndrome after a 90-minutes surgical procedure

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity acute compartment syndrome after gynecologic surgery in the lithotomy position is a rare, yet potentially devastating complication. A high level of suspicion is paramount for early recognition and mitigation of acute compartment syndrome originating from prolonged surgery in lithotomy position.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 23-year-old female, gravida 1, para 0, underwent a laparoscopic salpingectomy for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Surgical time was 90 min. Postoperatively, the patient developed acute compartment syndrome of both legs necessitating emergent bilateral four-compartment fasciotomies, with repeated returns to the operating room for 2nd look procedures and delayed wound closures. The patient regained full function within 3 months and returned to an unrestricted baseline activity level.

CONCLUSION

Technical diligence in applying a lithotomy position is paramount for preventing postoperative lower extremity compartment syndrome. A high level of suspicion for this severe complication in conjunction with early recognition and immediate surgical management can mitigate long-term adverse sequelae and improve postoperative outcomes.