title: [Bilateral femoral neuropathy after prostatectomy. Case report and bibliographic review].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report one case of postoperative lateral femoral neuropathy presenting after a retropubic radical prostatectomy. We review the topic.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the case of a 72-year-old patient undergoing radical prostatectomy. Combined anesthesia, general and spinal, was given. A self-retaining automatic retractor (Omnitract) was employed. In the immediate postoperative period the patient presented bilateral femoral neuropathy, with difficulties for knees extension and hips flexion, diminished patellar reflex, and absence of sensitivity in the anterior area of the thighs. MRI was performed to rule out spinal pathology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The symptoms improved a lot within a week, completely recovering after two months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Femoral neuropathy is a rare complication after pelvic surgery. In our case we believe it was secondary to nerve compression by the retractor.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Urología, Hospital Comorcal de Laredo, Cantabria, España. a.h.castrillo@telefonica.net
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hernández Castrillo
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: de Diego Rodríguez
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rado Velázquez
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lanzas Prieto
authors.forename: Mónica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galindo Palazuelos
authors.forename: Jesús María
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Terrazas Hontañon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005267:Femoral Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy