Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 3/22/2008

Question
After the birth of my daughter in July 2007, I got a rectovaginal fistula and bilateral femoral nerve damage. Although the nerve damage a lot better, I am still not 100%.  I am going to have surgery by a colorectal surgeon to repair the fistula. Should the surgeon be cautious about what position I am placed in during the 3 hour surgery, so the femoral nerve does not have pressure? Thank you!!

Answer
The surgeons should always be careful about the position they put you in but it certainly wouldn't hurt to let them and the anesthesiologist know about the problem you had. It is the anesthesiologist job to make sure all pressure points are well padded. Occasionally, because of the the constraints of the surgery, a patient may need to be placed in a position that might put him at increased risk for injury but I don't suspect that will be the problem for your surgery.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston