Medical Definition of lithotomy position
: a position of the body for medical examination, pelvic or abdominal surgery , or childbirth in which the individual lies on the back with the hips and knees flexed and the legs spread and raised above the hips often with the use of stirrups ...
What is dorsal lithotomy?
When in the dorsal lithotomy position, a woman is putting direct pressure on her sacrum (tailbone) , forcing it into a flexed position and making the pelvic outlet smaller.
What does dorsal Lithotomy position mean?
Avoid the redundant phrase dorsal lithotomy position. A supine position with buttocks at the end of the operating table, the hips and knees being fully flexed with feet strapped in position.
What is lithotomy position in nursing?
Lithotomy position: Position in which the patient is on their back with the hips and knees flexed and the thighs apart . The position is often used for vaginal examinations and childbirth.
When is a patient placed in a lithotomy position?
It involves lying on your back with your legs flexed 90 degrees at your hips . Your knees will be bent at 70 to 90 degrees, and padded foot rests attached to the table will support your legs. The position is named for its connection with lithotomy, a procedure to remove bladder stones.
What is the dorsal position used for?
The purpose of the dorsal recumbent position is to allow for examination of the head, neck, anterior thorax, lungs, breasts, axillae and heart .
What is the modified lithotomy position?
The modified lithotomy position allows an effective distribution of the extremity mass on a foamed surface , which reduces risk of soft tissue and nerve damage.
What is supine position in medical term?
Supine: With the back or dorsal surface downward (lying face up) , as opposed to prone. ... Ventral: Pertaining to the abdomen, as opposed to dorsal. Vertical: Upright, as opposed to horizontal.
What nerves can be damaged in lithotomy position?
Neurologic injuries related to the lithotomy position may affect the femoral, sciatic, and common peroneal nerves . One series found that the most common lower extremity neuropathies associated with procedures in the lithotomy position were common peroneal (81%), sciatic (15%), and femoral (4%).
Why would you put a patient in Trendelenburg position?
Positioning a patient for a surgical procedure involves reducing risk of injury and increasing comfort. The Trendelenburg position allows a surgeon greater access to pelvic organs , helpful for procedures like colorectal, gynecological, and genitourinary surgery.
What position is the Sims position?
Sims’ position, named after the gynaecologist J. Marion Sims, is usually used for rectal examination, treatments, enemas, and examining women for vaginal wall prolapse. It is performed by having the person lie on their left side, left hip and lower extremity straight, and right hip and knee bent.
Why is it called Lithotomy?
References to the position have been found in some of the oldest known medical documents including versions of the Hippocratic oath (see lithotomy); the position is named after the ancient surgical procedure for removing kidney stones and bladder stones via the perineum .
Why is proper positioning important?
The goals of proper patient positioning include: Maintain the patient’s airway and circulation throughout the procedure . Prevent nerve damage . Allow surgeon accessibility to the surgical site as well as for anesthetic administration.
What is Fowler’s position used for?
Fowler’s position is the most common position for patients resting comfortably , whether in-patient or in the emergency department. Also known as sitting position, Fowler’s patient positioning is typically used for neurosurgery and shoulder surgeries.
