Compartment syndrome after gynecologic operations: evidence from case reports and reviews

Compartment syndrome (CS) of the lower leg is a rare but severe complication of operations in the lithotomy (LT) position after urologic, gynecologic and general surgery. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to loss of function and even life-threatening complications. The pathophysiology is still not fully understood but it is believed that ischemia as a result of increased compartment pressure and decreased perfusion pressure may lead to CS. The type of leg support and the intraoperative hypotension have been discussed as risk factors but evidence is mainly based on case reports and expert opinion. Studies suggest that time spent in the LT position and the addition of head-down tilt are associated with CS. As these positions are routinely applied during various gynecologic procedures, forensically CS has to be considered as a specific complication of gynecologic surgery in the LT position. Despite the low incidence there is a need for prospective studies and guidelines for its prevention.