[Postoperative peripheral neuropathies in general surgery].
BACKGROUND
Postoperative nerve lesions beyond the operative area, the so called positioning traumas are considered uncommon in general surgery. But they can have serious consequences for the patient and the surgeon, including forensic sequelae. The objective of this work was to describe the incidence, pattern, risk factors and course of postoperative neuropathies in general surgery and to identify indicators to prevent these complications.


METHODS
Based on neurologic records we reviewed all postoperative peripheral neuropathies that occurred in the Department of General Surgery of the University Hospital Freiburg in the time period from January 1979 to December 1990. Lesions that occurred as a direct operative effect were excluded.


RESULTS
In 35 patients 50 nerve lesions were observed, representing an incidence of 0.12% of all operations during this time period. Most frequently lesions of the n. peroneus occurred, followed by the n. ulnaris, n. cutaneous femoris lateralis and n. medianus. Nerve lesions were observed in every body position and as early as after 15 min. Postoperative nerve lesions have a favorable prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Nerve lesions caused by positioning can occur during any operation with any duration in general surgery. They should be avoided by thorough and careful positioning. Also the patient must be informed about the possibility of nerve lesions caused by the positioning.
Abteilung Allgemeine Chirurgie mit Poliklinik, Chirurgische Universitätsklinik Freiburg i. Br. eggstein@ch11.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
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Eggstein
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Franke
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Hofmeister
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Rückauer
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D008875:Middle Aged; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000293:injuries