Percutaneous decompression for femoral neuropathy secondary to heparin-induced retroperitoneal hematoma: case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Retroperitoneal hematoma resulting in femoral nerve injury is a serious potential complication of systemic heparin anticoagulation. Review of the literature reveals lack of agreement with respect to conservative versus surgical management. The authors report the first case in which return of function was established by percutaneous decompression of a retroperitoneal hematoma in a patient who was not a candidate for immediate surgery. The favorable result suggests that percutaneous drainage may represent a reasonable alternative or first step in surgical treatment of this compression.