European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology
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Side effects of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) include rhabdomyolysis, paresthesia, or nerve palsy. The increase in intracompartmental pressure during ILP is thought to be linked to neuro- and muscular toxicity, and fasciotomy is recommended for protection. In 24 patients, intracompartmental pressure was measured. ⋯ A dramatic increase in compartmental pressure during ILP can be observed by continuous monitoring. Because of our observation that during the wash-out phase elevated compartmental pressures return to normal, there is no general indication for a fasciotomy. However, for patients maintaining a peak compartmental pressure above a critical threshold of 35 to 40 mmHg fasciotomy may be indicated.