Paralysis of the circumflex nerve following general anesthesia for laparoscopy

Abstract

This is a report of an injury to the circumflex nerve which occurred during general anesthesia for laparoscopy. A review of the literature has failed to reveal a prior report of this specific injury. It is concluded that the towel support positioned behind the patient's shoulder must have exerted too much pressure on the nerve, despite the presence of shoulder supports. The circumflex nerve probably took a more vulnerable course than usual.