Peroneal neuropathy following liver transplantation: possible predisposing factors and outcome.
BACKGROUND
Perioperative peroneal neuropathy is an uncommon complication following operations remote from the leg or in supine position including liver transplant.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 132 living-donor liver transplant recipients done at our center between September 2006 and December 2008. Various potential preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were studied in the cases that developed perioperative peroneal neuropathy.


RESULTS
Peroneal neuropathy was reported in 7 recipients (5.3%) following liver transplant. Apart from intraoperative positioning, other identifiable predisposing factors appear to be poor nutritional status, tall and slender body shape, alcoholic liver disease, and higher pretransplant model for endstage liver disease score. All patients were treated conservatively, including nutritionally balanced diet and vitamin supplements combined with physical rehabilitation therapy. The motor power returned to normal within 6 months in all 7 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Perioperative peroneal neuropathy may be contributed by various preoperative factors apart from intraoperative nerve compression. It can be effectively prevented by being aware of the predisposing factors and implicating adequate precautions perioperatively.
Singhal
Ashish
A
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Varma
Mukul
M
Goyal
Neerav
N
Vij
Vivek
V
Wadhawan
Manav
M
Gupta
Subash
S
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019520:Living Donors; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020427:Peroneal Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome