'Well‐leg' compartment syndrome associated with gynaecological surgery: a perioperative risk‐reduction protocol and checklist. (7th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Addley, S; McMullan, JC; Scott, S; Soleymani majd, H
• Is Part Of: BJOG. Volume 128:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1517
• Page End: 1525
• Publication Date: 2021-06-07
• Subjects: Gynaecology -- patient safety -- risk reduction -- surgery -- 'well‐leg' compartment syndrome; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16749
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-0328

Abstract

Abstract : 'Well‐leg' compartment syndrome (WLCS) is an uncommon, but potentially devastating, complication associated with prolonged patient positioning for abdomino‐pelvic surgery. Gynaecologists, anaesthetists and the wider theatre team share a responsibility to minimise the risk of this highly morbid, and even fatal, postoperative complication. This article provides an overview of WLCS related to gynaecological surgery – raising awareness amongst gynaecologists and highlighting the time‐critical nature of diagnosis and management. Given the potential litiginous nature of this complication, we also present a perioperative checklist and risk‐reduction protocol to suggest a standardised approach to prevention and relevant documentation. Tweetable abstract: Gynaecologists share a responsibility to minimise the risk of postoperative 'well‐leg' compartment syndrome. Tweetable abstract: Gynaecologists share a responsibility to minimise the risk of postoperative 'well‐leg' compartment syndrome.