[Compartment syndrome as a postoperative complication of lithotomy position]

Abstract

Surgical procedures necessitating the use of the lithotomy position can be associated with neuromuscular lesions, usually arising from compression of nerves and muscles. Compartment syndrome of the lower extremities is a grave complication which, if unrecognized, can lead to either permanent neuromuscular dysfunction or limb loss. We report two cases of compartment syndrome complicating surgery in the lithotomy position.