Unicompartment compartment syndrome following laparascopic colonic resection

We report the case of a 43-year-old man who developed anterior compartment syndrome following laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the lithotomy position. This was initially masked by postoperative epidural usage and ultimately diagnosed 2 days postoperatively. The patient underwent decompression by four compartment fasciotomy and two follow-up re-explorations of the affected lower limb. This case is unique for two reasons: only the anterior compartment of the lower limb was affected--which is rare in itself--and there was a delay in presentation secondary to postoperative epidural usage.