Achieving a proper patient position while maintaining patient comfort and safety is key. When the patient is in the appropriate position, access to the surgical site is improved and the ability to perform the procedure is enhanced. To decrease the risk associated with patient positioning, it is important to understand the position, patient risk factors, and environmental risk factors. Lithotomy Position is one of the common positions used during many surgeries and in childbirth.
WHAT IS THE LITHOTOMY POSITION?
The Lithotomy Position is similar to the supine position of the body when the patient is face-up, arms to the sides, but the legs are separated, raised, and supported in a boot-style leg holder or stirrup-style position. The most common procedures performed in the Lithotomy position are:
- Gynecological
- Urologic
- Colorectal
- Perineal, or Pelvis Procedures
LITHOTOMY POSITION DURING CHILDBIRTH
The Lithotomy Position can be used during childbirth since it provides the doctor with good access to the mother and the baby. It was used as the standard position for childbirth procedures, but recently, most hospitals have shifted to using birthing beds or chairs.
Studies have shown that Lithotomy Position can cause more pain for the woman in the second or third stage of labor vs other alternative positions like squatting positions.
LITHOTOMY POSITION DURING SURGERY
Types of surgery that utilize the Lithotomy Position
Lithotomy Position is used during many operations including, but limited to:
- Urethral Surgery
- Colon Surgery
- Removal of the bladder, and rectal or prostate tumors
- Vaginal, cervical, and uterine surgical procedures
COMMON VARIATIONS OF THE LITHOTOMY POSITION
The Lithotomy Position can take different variations depending on the type of surgical operation being held. See image
- Standard Lithotomy (Dorsal) Position
- Low Lithotomy position
- High Lithotomy Position
- Hemi Lithotomy Position
- Exaggerated Lithotomy Position
- Tilted Lithotomy Position
Acne-prone areas during lithotomy include: head, shoulders, waist, and legs. For the parts that are prone to acne, there are products: head ring, flat pad, multi-purpose body pad, calf protection pad.
This lithotomy leg holder is a new type of leg support device. It meets the requirements of modern medical treatment for various operations and is very suitable for urology and gynecology, which reduces the work intensity and operation risk of medical staff, and at the same time protects patients well and reduces secondary injuries. The pneumatic leg frame design can effectively disperse the pressure on the legs and armpits, partly on the heels and partly on the buttocks, lined with soft pads The airfoil design can give certain support to the armpits and prevent knee cramps from straining the inner thigh muscles. lithotomy stirrups are suitable for urology, lithotomy, obstetrics and gynecology, laparoscopic surgery, anorectal surgery, etc.
