Femoral neuropathy complicating urologic abdominopelvic procedures

We report on 3 cases of femoral neuropathy following radical surgery for urologic malignancy. The defect was bilateral in 2 patients. Compression from self-retaining retractors was the presumed mechanism of injury in all patients. Spontaneous improvement was observed in each case although the symptoms did not resolve completely. The pathophysiology contributing to this operative complication as well as measures for prevention and treatment are discussed.