Prospective evaluation of intraoperative peripheral nerve injury in colorectal surgery

Aim  Intraoperative peripheral nerve injury can have permanent neurological consequences. Its incidence is not known and varies according to the location and the surgical specialty. This study was a prospective analysis of intraoperative peripheral nerve injury as a complication of abdominal colorectal surgery. Method  All patients who underwent major colorectal abdominal surgery in our Colorectal Unit between 1996 and 2009 were analyzed. Data on nerve injury were prospectively collected. Results  There were 2304 patients, of whom eight (0.3%) experienced intraoperative peripheral nerve injury. This occurred in 5/2211 (0.2%) open procedures and in 3/93 (3%) laparoscopic procedures. There wa…