Lithotomy-related neurovascular complications in the lower limbs after colorectal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on lithotomy-related neurovascular complications (LRNVC) of the lower limbs after colorectal surgery.


METHODS
Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles, including Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed, CENTRAL and CINHL.


RESULTS
LRNVC after prolonged lithotomy position during colorectal surgery can be classified into vascular, neurological and neurovascular combined. Compartment syndrome (CS) is the most common clinical presentation. Seven case reports and 10 case series on 34 patients (27 men, 6 women) with CS have been reported. Risk factors included the lithotomy position and duration of surgery of more than 4 h.


CONCLUSIONS
In colorectal surgery, lower limb LRNCVs, and CS are rare. A high index of clinical suspicion and early decompression may reduce morbidity.
Sajid
M S
MS
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Worthing Hospital, Worthing, West Sussex, UK. surgeon1wrh@hotmail.com
Shakir
A J
AJ
Khatri
K
K
Baig
M K
MK
D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery