‘A pain in the buttock’: A case report of gluteal compartment syndrome after robotic partial nephrectomy

Abstract

Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency that, if unrecognised, leads to tissue and muscle ischaemia, necrosis, multi-organ failure and even death. Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare type of compartment syndrome that typically occurs as a sequela of trauma, and its presentation may be difficult to recognise. We describe a case of a patient who developed gluteal compartment syndrome following a prolonged renal surgery in lateral decubitus position. Our case report aims to raise clinicians’ awareness to consideration of this rare syndrome in patients presenting with lower extremity or back pain after prolonged surgery.

Evaluation of the Postoperative Risk of Deep Tissue Injury to the Lower Extremities Following Surgery in the Lithotomy Position

“…The lithotomy position can cause circulatory and neurologic complications in the lower extremities due to hip and knee flexion. Compromise may be localized, such as to the sacral region [2,3], but it may also be widespread, involving the entire lower leg, and may result in peroneal nerve palsy and compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a complication that requires prompt treatment, such as surgical decompression, before progression and is likely to require restriction of activities for several weeks afterward [4][5][6][7].…”