Neuropathies associated with radical pelvic surgery for gynecologic cancer.
Nerve injury is an infrequent complication of gynecologic surgery. We reviewed, over the previous academic year, our experience with this complication after radical pelvic surgery. Four cases are reported (1.06%) and discussed. In our experience, neuropathies are infrequently associated with radical pelvic surgery. However, they are often irreversible. Careful surgical technique and care in the methods of obtaining hemostasis are probably the most important factors in the prevention of these complications. In gynecologic operations in general, the most important factors in prevention of postoperative neuropathies include careful placement of the self-retaining retractor for abdominal operations, and careful positioning of the patient in stirrups whenever they are used.
Hoffman
M S
MS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa 33612.
Roberts
W S
WS
Cavanagh
D
D
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*