Introduction/Background*The obturator nerve is formed by the lumbar plexus, receiving its fibers from the anterior division of L2-4. Clinically, obturator nerve injury manifests with sensorial loss at the medial aspect of thigh, pain at medial portion of the groin and ipsilateral adductor weakness. The risk of obturator nerve injury is increased during pelvic lymphadenectomy and surgeries for gynecologic malignancies. Here, we present a video film of full-thickness transection of obturator nerve at the time of pelvic lymphadenectomy in a patient who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer. The transected nerve was primarily repaired through a laparoscopic approach at the time of surgery. The patient experienced a full recovery with no motor function deficiencies

Result(s)*In this surgical film we present an 83-year-old woman, G2P2, who was diagnosed with a grade 3 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. She underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy and sentinel lymph-node biopsies as well as resection of enlarged external iliac node. During the procedure, we identified a complete transection of the obturator nerve. To enable an end to end repair, the external iliac artery and vein were mobilized. The proximal end of the nerve was identified lateral to these vessels. An end-to-end anastomosis of the nerve was performed using Prolene sutures. The patient experienced an uneventful post-operative recovery and was discharge home on post-operative day 2, able to ambulate independently with no assistance required.

Conclusion*Obturator nerve injuries are a well-recognized complication of pelvic lymphadenectomy. Immediate laparoscopic nerve repair, can facilitate earlier motor recovery and prevent the need for laparotomy.