[Femoral nerve paralysis after vaginal hysterectomy and its forensic importance].

Paresis of the femoral nerve following vaginal hysterectomy is a rare event, only 21 cases have been reported in the literature. This lesion is caused by pressure of the femoral nerve through the ligamentum inguinale during extreme flection and abduction of the thigh when vaginal surgery is done in lithotomy position. To avoid this femoral nerve lesion during vaginal hysterectomy the inclination angle between thigh and body should not be smaller than 45 degrees and the abduction angle should not exceed 45 degrees in relation to a vertical midline. The correct positioning of the patients has to be checked and documented by the gynecologist performing the operation. The operating gynecologist is responsible for injuries and damages by incorrect positioning of the patient.