Forearm compartment syndrome from intravenous mannitol extravasation during general anesthesia.

Complications of IV mannitol administration resulting in compartment syndrome may warrant surgical intervention. Compartment syndrome is difficult to diagnose in the anesthetized patient. Infusing mannitol in an observed IV site permits discontinuation of mannitol before complications ensue.

Extravasation injury of the upper extremity by intravenous phenytoin.

Extravasation or IV injury attributable to phenytoin can cause severe soft tissue damage. Anesthesiologists are likely to encounter this problem and should recognize it and the potential complications. With increased awareness, the occurrence may be minimized.