Analysis of external pressure on the left calf in the Lloyd-Davies position during colorectal surgery

Purpose: Well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a potentially life-threatening postoperative complication related to the Lloyd-Davies surgical position, which can place increased external pressure on the calf region. We conducted this study to analyze external pressure changes, by applying a leg holder system to the left calf region of patients placed in the Lloyd-Davies position during laparoscopic surgery.

Methods: The study participants were 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in the Lloyd-Davies position. We assessed the maximum external pressure (MEP) on the left calf region using a pressure-distribution measurement system. Intraoperative measurements were taken continuously, and the MEP was evaluated with the patient horizontal and every 30 min during surgery in the head and right-down tilt position.

Results: The intraoperative MEP increased gradually when the patient was in the head and right-down tilt position and decreased when the patient was returned to the horizontal position. The MEP was higher in patients aged < 60 years, those who were obese, and those with a thick calf circumference. Both body mass index (BMI) and the maximum left calf circumference (MLCC) were found to correlate with the MEP.

Conclusions: In addition to a high BMI, which is a well-known risk factor for WLCS, a high MLCC should be considered another risk factor, especially for patients under 60 years.