Published on: 5/21/2025
What causes nerve pain in the leg following a hysterectomy?
Nerve pain in the leg after a hysterectomy can be caused by pressure on the femoral nerve during surgery, especially if the patient is in the lithotomy position.
Explanation
After a hysterectomy, some people may experience nerve pain in their legs. This pain is often due to pressure on the femoral nerve during the operation.
Causes
- Positioning During Surgery: The lithotomy position, where the legs are elevated and bent at the knees, can put stress on the femoral nerve.
- Surgical Pressure: During a vaginal hysterectomy, instruments or the position of the body can compress the nerve.
Effects
- This pressure can lead to a condition called femoral neuropathy, which may cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg.
References
- Studies have documented cases where patients developed femoral neuropathy after being in the lithotomy position for extended periods during surgery.
Understanding these risks can help in managing and potentially preventing nerve pain after surgery.
(References)
- Hsieh LF, Liaw ES, Cheng HY, & Hong CZ. (1998). Bilateral femoral neuropathy after vaginal hysterectomy. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 9710179.
- Tondare AS, Nadkarni AV, Sathe CH, & Dave VB. (1983). Femoral neuropathy: a complication of lithotomy position .... Canadian Anaesthetists' Society journal, 6297699.
- Räber G, & Schneider HP. (1993). [Femoral nerve paralysis after vaginal hysterectomy and its .... Zentralblatt fur Gynakologie, 8342350.
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