Compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis and risk of acute renal failure as complications of the lithotomy position.

Compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis and the risk of acute renal failure are potential complications of the lithotomy position. A six-year-old girl is described who developed a compartment syndrome with rhabdomyolysis after prolonged surgery in the lithotomy position. This complication occurred three times over ten years in our hospital. Rhabdomyolysis may induce acute renal failure. The pathogenesis of rhabdomyolysis--induced renal failure has not yet been elucidated. However, forced diuresis by intravenous administration of mannitol and furosemide can prevent acute renal failure.