Meralgia paresthetica following bariatric surgery

Abstract

Background: Two papers in the literature have described meralgia paresthetica following bariatric surgery. One author ascribed the cause of the condition to pressure from an abdominal retractor. We encountered 11 similar cases in our bariatric surgery practice, but do not use the retractor previously invoked as the cause of the problem. It seems likely that some other factor is involved.

Methods: Retrospective chart review.

Results: 11 patients were identified whose symptoms and clinical findings were consistent with meralgia paresthetica. There were 6 men and 5 women. Symptoms developed immediately following surgery in 8 cases, and resolved spontaneously within 3 months in 6 of these.

Conclusions: Multiple causes have been described for meralgia paresthetica. It appears to be more common in obese patients. While extrinsic pressure from an abdominal retractor may play a role in some cases, other factors are clearly involved in the cases reported here.