Severe leg compartment syndrome associated with dorsal lithotomy position during radical hysterectomy.

We encountered a female patient with left-leg compartment syndrome; a devastating complication, probably associated with prolonged dorsal lithotomy position during radical hysterectomy using intermittent pneumatic compression. This patient was intensively treated and fortunately recovered. However, leg compartment syndrome is poorly understood by gynecologists. We must always consider the potential risk of this life-threatening complication when patients are placed in the dorsal lithotomy position for a prolonged period during extended surgery using intermittent external compression.