title: Well-leg compartment syndrome after gynecological laparoscopic surgery.
abstract: Well-leg compartment syndrome in the lower extremities after surgery in the lithotomy position is a rare but severe complication requiring early diagnosis and intervention. Several circumstances predispose to this condition as a consequence of increased intra-compartmental pressure, such as positioning of the legs during operation (lithotomy and Lloyd-Davies positions), a prolonged operation, external compression and vascular insults, both pre- and intra-operatively. To prevent well-leg compartment syndrome it is important to improve knowledge of the condition among surgeons and nursing staff. Potential risk factors and preventive initiatives are listed to reduce the risk in future patients. We describe two patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery and postoperatively developed well-leg compartment syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Diana H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Boesgaard-Kjer
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Boesgaard-Kjer
authors.forename: Jens Jørgen
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Kjer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D016683:Supine Position; D001745:Urinary Bladder Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery