Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy after an Autologous Breast Reconstruction in a Massive Weight Loss Patient

Perioperative compression neuropathy is a known potential complication of prolonged surgical procedures. Sciatic postoperative neuropathy has rarely been reported. We present a 34-year-old woman who underwent right breast reconstruction with supercharged (venous anastomosis) transverse rectus abdominis flap and developed bilateral sciatic compression neuropathy. Her history was remarkable for sleeve gastrectomy 2 years earlier resulting in 105 pound weight loss 1 year before breast reconstruction. During the procedure, the patient was in the supine position for 8 hours and in the semirecumbent position for an additional 2 hours with the torso flexed at 30 degrees and knees flexed at approximately 45 degrees in addition to standard padding. Postoperatively, the patient was found to have loss of sensation and motor paralysis distal to her knees bilaterally. Pain sensation was preserved distally and no other neurological abnormalities were noted. Laboratory tests, magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies all revealed no evidence of neurological lesions and peroneal or lumbosacral radiculopathy. Motor strength gradually returned to her lower extremities over 4-5 weeks, whereas sensory function continued to improve over 7 weeks. The patient had complete neurological recovery 2 months postoperatively.