Is iatrogenic sciatic nerve neuropathy following thigh lift surgery uncommon and preventable?

Abstract

Obesity is a serious public health problem, and bariatric surgery that is applied for obesity-related morbidities has led to a decrease in obesity-related morbidities and can also improve the quality of life of patients. Plastic, reconstructive, and esthetic surgery plays a major role in the management of skin laxity after bariatric surgery and is therefore generally considered a necessity. However, body contouring surgery can also be associated with some devastating complications. We present a case who developed sciatic nerve neuropathy after medial thigh lift surgery. Complete functional loss of the sciatic nerve was found by clinical and electroneurographic examination on the right side, and full nerve conductance recovery was obtained after 7 months in the patient. It is important to raise awareness about the fact that this significant complication, although rare, can occur even with such a benign and easy procedure and that it is readily reversible with prompt diagnosis and early treatment.