title: Prevention of femoral nerve injuries in gynecologic surgery.
abstract: Abdominopelvic operation is the most frequent cause of iatrogenic femoral nerve injury, particularly when self-retaining retractors are used. Transverse abdominal incisions and thin body habitus are significant risk factors. Patients typically have mild sensory and/or motor disturbances with diminished knee jerk reflexes. Most cases are self-limited, and symptoms resolve within several weeks. Most femoral nerve injuries that are associated with pelvic surgery can be prevented with a thorough understanding of the pelvic anatomy and proper placement of self-retaining retractors.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine-Medical Center, Orange, 92868, USA.
authors.forename: John K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manetta
mesh_terms: D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy