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Well Leg Compartment Syndrome After Prolonged Pelvic Surgery

Launch of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines

04 June 2019 (Last updated: 15 Feb 2021 17:19)

Patients undergoing prolonged pelvic surgery may develop lower limb compartment syndrome in the absence of trauma.

This condition, known as Well Leg Compartment Syndrome (WLCS), is relatively uncommon, but potentially devastating, and has been recognised for almost 30 years. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to severe adverse consequences, including loss of limb and/or life following otherwise uncomplicated pelvic surgery. 

In order not only to protect our patients from harm but also to reduce the likelihood of criticism (including civil claims) brought against surgeons involved in treating patients at risk of developing this condition, a multidisciplinary team of pelvic, vascular and orthopaedic surgeons has reviewed the available evidence. They have now published clinical guidelines, on behalf of the relevant surgical specialty associations, on the prevention, diagnosis and initial management of patients at risk of WLCS. 

The guidelines are available by clicking here for a free download of the open access article.

These guidelines, including the relevant professional standards, have been formally endorsed by The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, The British Orthopaedic Association, The British Association of Urological Surgeons and The Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland.  

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