The Truth about Lithotomy Position
Written by Ayebamiebi Yousuo
Introduction
It was my first day as a clinical student, and I was to be in the theatre for a procedure I knew nothing about. I changed into my new blue scrubs, grabbed a nose mask and a hair cover, ready to assist the surgeon with my verse anatomy knowledge when the surgeon called all the medical students and mentioned that we would not be in the theatre today and that a registrar will be taking us on surgical positions, and it was in that lecture that I heard the word “Lithotomy” for the first time.
What is Lithotomy Position?
If you are hearing the lithotomy position for the first time, it is simply a surgical position where the patient lies on their back with knees bent and positioned above the hips and spread apart using stirrups. The lithotomy position gives the doctor better access to the mother and fetus during childbirth.
Despite its popularity as a position for childbirth, there is a truth about the lithotomy position only found in its origin.
Origin of Lithotomy Position
The word “Lithotomy” originates from two Greek words; “Litho-” meaning stone and “-tomy” meaning to cut. Putting these words together, “Lithotomy” literally means to cut for stone, and in this meaning lies the truth about the Lithotomy position as it is originally a position for making incisions to remove bladder and gallstones in a procedure known as Lithotomy, but with the advent of better treatment modalities the need for Lithotomy surgeries dwindled and a position that used to be known for the lithotomy procedure was now known for childbirth.
Indications for Lithotomy Position
The indications for lithotomy position include but are not limited to the following:
Childbirth by spontaneous vaginal delivery
Lithotomy for bladder and kidney stones
Repair of hemorrhoids
Conclusion
To get a good grasp of any topic in medicine, one must learn how to deal with the jargon before setting out to consume the vast knowledge on that topic as this will go on to make your reading smooth and easy, thereby boosting your understanding.
Written by Ayebamiebi Yousuo from MEDILOQUY