Obturator neuropathy complicating elective laparoscopic tubal occlusion

Isolated obturator neuropathy is rare. We report a woman who developed a severe obturator neuropathy from electrocautery during elective laparoscopic tubal ligation. This complication has not previously been described in association with the procedure, and the potential etiological role of an underrecognized anatomical variant, in which an accessory obturator nerve is present, is discussed.