Trocar injury of the retroperitoneal vessels followed by life-threatening postischemic compartment syndrome of both lower extremities.

BACKGROUND

Lesions of the intra-abdominal organs and vessels caused by trocars and Verres needles are rare but serious complications during laparoscopic surgery.

REPORT: We report an unusual case of left common iliac artery and inferior vena cava injury during laparoscopy. This lesion was followed by a bilateral postischemic compartment syndrome of the lower extremities. The patient sustained massive rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, peroneal nerve palsy, and functional loss of the lower extremities.

CONCLUSION

Postischemic tissue swelling should be recognized as early as possible because it is a life-threatening condition that necessitates immediate treatment.