Lower limb compartment syndrome by reperfusion injury after treatment of arterial thrombosis post-laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for cervical cancer

ABSTRACT

Compartment syndrome is a clinical condition associated with decreased blood circulation that can lead to swelling of tissue in limited space. Several factors including lithotomy position, prolonged surgery, intermittent pneumatic compressor, and reperfusion after treatment of arterial thrombosis may contribute to compartment syndrome. However, compartment syndrome rarely occurs after gynecologic surgery. In this case, the patient was diagnosed as compartment syndrome due to reperfusion injury after treatment of arterial thrombosis, which occurred after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for cervical cancer. Despite its rarity, prevention and identifying the risk factors of complication should be performed perioperatively; furthermore, gynecologist should be aware of the possibility of complications.