Background: Bariatric surgery has the potential for serious complications. A case is presented of unilateral lower extremity compartment syndrome after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed in the modified lithotomy position.
Case report: A 38-year-old female (weight 134.5 kg, BMI 49.6) underwent a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (operating time 375 min). Postoperatively, she complained of bilateral lower extremity pain that gradually subsided over the course of the day. However, on the 1st postoperative day she developed numbness on the dorsum of the foot and compartment syndrome was diagnosed (anterior compartment pressure 71 mmHg). She underwent emergency fasciotomy, which resulted in a reduction of the pain and numbness on the dorsum of the foot. The next day she ambulated without difficulty and was discharged home on the 5th postoperative day. 12 days after her operation, delayed primary closure of the fasciotomy wound was done with the assistance of a novel device (Proxiderm) that applies constant tension to the wound edges. Subsequent recovery was uneventful, and at 4-month follow-up the patient had a weight loss of 28 kg without any right leg motor or sensory deficits.
Conclusion: Bariatric surgeons should be aware of compartment syndrome as a rare but serious complication. Prevention, early recognition, and prompt fasciotomy are crucial for a favorable outcome.