Lithotomy Position Definition, Procedure, birth, Complications
Lithotomy is a position similar to the position during normal delivery of a baby. In this position the legs are apart and supported with raised stirrups on sides above the remaining body. It is a supine position. This position is commonly adapted during urologic, gynecologic and proctologic examinations of body. It is famous because of its excessive use in obstetrics. This position is used to examine the perineal area properly and also for the purpose of removing stones of gall bladder by making incision. In this position, the patient lie down on a dorsum while his legs are lifted upwards. His hips flexed are at 90 degrees to the body. This position is adopted for the following purposes:
Lithotomy is a procedure consist of four main steps if used to remove the stones in kidney. The patient is allowed to lie down on dorsum while lifting legs upward on stripes. An incision is made on the abdomen at the point of kidney. The kidney is exposed, then make an incision on the ureter and remove the stones present in it. Then close the wound by stitching. If it is used during pregnancy, the women is allowed to lay in the above mentioned position and then the baby is delivered normally via vaginal opening.
A research is conducted on the lithotomy position and it’s still going on focusing on risk benefit ratio of this position during delivery of a baby.It is a commonly used position or the normal delivery of a baby because it is an easy access for the physician to the delivery route. But there are also some draw backs associated with this position. As the birth canal during delivery, in this position, may become narrow and the mother may do not feel comfortable in this position. So it is always asked by the mother to choose her delivery position in which she feel comfortable.
There are many complications associated with lithotomy position. The complications are related to nerves and obstetrics. The nerve complications include the long time use of this position may cause nerve injuries in the lower part of body. The complications may be the compartment syndrome and perineal nerve injury. The complications related to obstetrics are limited movement of mother during delivery, increased chances of trauma in the cervical region and perineum, the contractions are more painful and the process of labor is slow. Respiratory distress may occur in the neonate.
- To examine the pelvic region
- To urological examine of the prostate.
- Resection of the prostate and bladder. The resection may be transurethral or perineal.
- Ureteroscopy
- Urethral surgery in males.
- For incontinence procedures in females.
- It is contraindicated in some conditions like the injury in hip region or spinal region which disable the patient to lift his legs or bend. Also contraindicated in obstetric practice as it may cause problems in body. A research is also going on the risk benefit ratio of this position.
Lithotomy Position Procedure
Lithotomy is a procedure consist of four main steps if used to remove the stones in kidney. The patient is allowed to lie down on dorsum while lifting legs upward on stripes. An incision is made on the abdomen at the point of kidney. The kidney is exposed, then make an incision on the ureter and remove the stones present in it. Then close the wound by stitching. If it is used during pregnancy, the women is allowed to lay in the above mentioned position and then the baby is delivered normally via vaginal opening.
Lithotomy Position during Birth
A research is conducted on the lithotomy position and it’s still going on focusing on risk benefit ratio of this position during delivery of a baby.It is a commonly used position or the normal delivery of a baby because it is an easy access for the physician to the delivery route. But there are also some draw backs associated with this position. As the birth canal during delivery, in this position, may become narrow and the mother may do not feel comfortable in this position. So it is always asked by the mother to choose her delivery position in which she feel comfortable.
Lithotomy Position Complications
There are many complications associated with lithotomy position. The complications are related to nerves and obstetrics. The nerve complications include the long time use of this position may cause nerve injuries in the lower part of body. The complications may be the compartment syndrome and perineal nerve injury. The complications related to obstetrics are limited movement of mother during delivery, increased chances of trauma in the cervical region and perineum, the contractions are more painful and the process of labor is slow. Respiratory distress may occur in the neonate.
Lithotomy Position Definition, Procedure, birth, Complications
Reviewed by Simon Albert
on
May 29, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Simon Albert
on
May 29, 2017
Rating:
