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Bilateral ulnar nerve injury after high abdominal surgery
P R Martens1, J J Driessen, W Lanckriet
1Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, St.-Jan's Hospital, Bruges, Belgium.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Belgica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
This case report details bilateral ulnar nerve injuries above the elbow, caused by a surgical retractor during high abdominal procedures. The study explores potential causes and contributing patient factors for this nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Surgical Complications
- Anatomy
Background:
- Ulnar nerve injuries can occur during surgery, but specific retractor-induced lesions above the elbow are uncommon.
- High abdominal surgery necessitates specific patient positioning and the use of specialized surgical instruments.
Observation:
- A case of bilateral ulnar nerve injury proximal to the elbow was identified post-operatively.
- The injury was linked to the use of a particular retractor during a high abdominal surgical procedure.
Findings:
- The retractor's design or application likely led to direct or indirect trauma to the ulnar nerves.
- Potential pathogenetic mechanisms include compression, stretching, or direct contusion of the nerves.
Implications:
- Awareness of this specific retractor-related risk is crucial for surgeons performing high abdominal procedures.
- Preventive measures, such as careful retractor placement and intraoperative nerve monitoring, may reduce the incidence of such injuries.