Delayed retroperitoneal haematoma after failed lumbar plexus block.
A 72-yr-old patient was to undergo a left lumbar plexus block by the posterior approach to achieve postoperative analgesia after hip replacement. The block failed after three unsuccessful attempts to identify nerve structures and a fascia iliaca compartment block was performed. Postoperatively the patient received enoxaparin and then phenylindanedione for thromboprophylaxis. She was re-admitted 2 weeks after surgery because of a lower limb motor deficit and a left retroperitoneal haematoma requiring blood transfusion. Clinicians need to be aware of this potential complication of lumbar plexus block in patients receiving thrombphylaxis.
Département d'Anesthésie-Réanimation, Polyclinique Sévigné, 3 rue du Chéne Germain, F-35510 Cesson-Sevigne, France. caveline@club-internet.fr
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Aveline
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Bonnet
D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents