Postoperative rhabdomyolysis following otoplasty: an autopsy case report

Postoperative rhabdomyolysis is a significant complication that can arise from prolonged surgery, causing potential harm to the kidneys and leading to acute renal failure. Despite its importance, the incidence of rhabdomyolysis following ear reconstruction surgery remains undocumented in the literature. In this report, we present a case study of a male patient in his forties who underwent otoplasty for ear reconstruction after the amputation of his right ear due to a physical assault. The surgery lasted for 8 h under general anesthesia, and unfortunately, the patient developed postoperative rhabdomyolysis, which resulted in severe renal failure and ultimately an unrecoverable cardiac arrest, leading to his death. The autopsy findings indicated no identifiable lesions except for organ congestion, while histopathology revealed acute tubular necrosis of the kidney and muscle rhabdomyolysis. Previous literature has explored the association between surgical duration, location, and rhabdomyolysis, underscoring that this condition is an infrequent yet preventable consequence of prolonged surgery. The co-occurrence of rhabdomyolysis and acute renal injury in this case suggests the presence of comorbidity, emphasizing the need for prompt action to mitigate the negative consequences of rhabdomyolysis. Awareness and early intervention are crucial in preventing and managing this condition effectively.