Prospective evaluation of intraoperative peripheral nerve injury in colorectal surgery

Intraoperative peripheral nerve injury can have permanent neurological consequences. Its incidence is not known and varies according to the location and the surgical specialty. This study was a prospective analysis of intraoperative peripheral nerve injury as a complication of abdominal colorectal surgery.

All patients who underwent major colorectal abdominal surgery in our Colorectal Unit between 1996 and 2009 were analyzed. Data on nerve injury were prospectively collected.

There were 2304 patients, of whom eight (0.3%) experienced intraoperative peripheral nerve injury. This occurred in 5/2211 (0.2%) open procedures and in 3/93 (3%) laparoscopic procedures. There was no association between intraoperative peripheral nerve injury and age, gender, body mass index, surgeon, operation time, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score and urgent surgery. The use of Allen-type stirrups and a vacuum bag (in laparoscopic surgery) seemed to be protective for nerve injury in the lower and upper limbs respectively.

Adequate positioning and the use of pressure-free positioning devices may prevent intraoperative peripheral nerve injury, particularly during laparoscopy.