Brachial plexus neuropathies after advanced laparoscopic surgery.

A retrospective review of 3,200 advanced laparoscopic procedures demonstrated five brachial plexus injuries during a 5-month period in 1986 (0.16% incidence rate). Brachial plexus injury can occur during laparoscopic surgery using steep Trendelenburg's position with shoulder braces and the patient's arm extended at 90 degrees. Position modification can reduce the risk for upper extremity neuropathies.