Lower limb compartment syndrome following lithotomy position for Urethroplasty

Abstract

 Introduction : Lower limb compartment syndrome (LLCS) or well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a rare (incidence of 1 in 3500 lithotomy procedures) but serious complication of lithotomy position.Awareness of the preoperative, intra-operative and post operative factors involved can lead to prevention and appropriate                  management if this serious complication does happen. Methods :  We reviewed two consecutive cases of compartment syndrome following full length substitution urethroplasty. Patient factors, intra-operative factors (position, type of leg holding system, effect of external compression, time duration, and anesthetic factors) and post operative presentation and management were        studied to identify likely risk factors. Results : Both were young men with pan anterior urethral stricture and underwent full length substitution                     urethroplasty with buccal graft.