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Last updated: September 12, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Lumbar, Hip, Calf, and Feet Pain after Endometriosis Surgery

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Postoperative nerve injury or neuropathy: This could be due to the surgical procedure itself, especially if it involved areas near nerves that supply the lower limbs. The symptoms could be a result of direct nerve damage or compression during the surgery.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Musculoskeletal strain: Postoperative pain and discomfort can lead to altered gait and posture, straining the muscles in the lower back, hips, calves, and feet.
  • Hormonal changes: Endometriosis surgery might involve removal of the uterus or ovaries, leading to sudden hormonal changes, which could exacerbate or trigger musculoskeletal pain.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can occur postoperatively, especially after surgeries that involve prolonged immobilization, and can cause pain in the calves and feet.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Spinal epidural hematoma: A rare but potentially catastrophic complication of surgery, which can compress the spinal cord and cause severe pain, numbness, and paralysis.
  • Infection (e.g., osteomyelitis, discitis): Postoperative infections can cause severe pain and have serious consequences if not promptly treated.
  • Pulmonary embolism: While the symptoms might not directly relate to lower limb pain, pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can occur postoperatively and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative patients with unexplained symptoms.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that can occur after surgery, injury, or trauma, characterized by intense burning or aching pain in the affected limb.
  • Neoplastic or metastatic disease: Although rare, it's essential to consider the possibility of cancer spreading to the bones or nerves, especially if the patient has a history of cancer or if the pain is unusually severe or persistent.
  • Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain in the limbs, but it is relatively rare and would typically be associated with other systemic symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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