Femoral neuropathy subsequent to abdominal hysterectomy. A comparative study.

In a prospective study of two 5-yr periods two groups of patients undergoing pelvic operative procedures were compared. Iatrogenic femoral neuropathy occurred in 282 patients who underwent pelvic abdominal surgery in the first group of women, an overall incidence of 7.45%. The neuropathy was associated with the use of self-retaining retractors during surgery. Femoral nerve neuropathy occurred only in two patients in the second group in whom no retractors were used during operation. No other contributing factors were found. The duration of complaints ranged from 3 to 90 days. Spontaneous recovery occurred in 265 patients, while in 17 there were residual mild symptoms for up to 116 days. No serious sequelae have been observed. Prevention of this mostly mild yet annoying syndrome may be achieved if no retractors are used in gynecological operations, or, if they are necessary, due to difficult conditions at surgery or if the operation is long, they should be used with care and loosened from time to time. It is estimated that the incidence of iatrogenic femoral nerve neuropathy is higher than reported, since in very mild cases the patient fails to mention her complaints. The prognosis is usually rather good.