[Paralysis of the femoral nerve after abdominal and vaginal surgery].

Damages of the femoral nerve during gynaecological operations are more frequent than generally supposed. They are observed after abdominal and vaginal operations caused by pressure on the nerve. During abdominal procedures an unsuitable self-retaining retractor is due to the paralysis. If the legs of the patients are deposited on the shoulder-back-parties of the assistants during vaginal procedures there is the danger of pressing the femoral nerve against the inguinal ligament by strong bending and abduction of the thighs. We report about 3 cases of paralysis of this nerve; recommendations for avoidance are given.