The lithotomy versus the supine position for laparoscopic advanced surgeries: a historical review

Laparoscopic advanced surgery has been taught in many institutions in the United States. Initially, proctoring for the laparoscopic technique was performed by European surgeons; therefore, the lithotomy position was suggested as the preferred approach. Many American and European surgeons have adopted the supine position. Laparoscopy initially entered the clinical realm in the field of gynecology. Albert Decker, at the Knickerbocker and Gouverneur Hospital in New York, performed culdoscopy as early as 1928. This was done in the "knee-chest" position without the use of pneumoperitoneum. Raoul Palmer, at the Hopital Broca in Paris, popularized "colposcopie," utilizing pneumoperitoneum, with the patient in the lithotomy position. Laparoscopy then advanced in Europe to the general surgery arena. As a result, patient positioning for laparoscopic procedures in Europe was performed in what is now referred to as the French position (i.e., lithotomy). Many of these procedures are modified to a side approach, or American position, when performed in the United States. There is a clear association between the dorsal lithotomy position and the development of postoperative compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome occurs when elevated pressure in an osteofascial compartment compromises local perfusion, and often results in neurovascular damage and permanent disability. Many centers have adopted the lithotomy position for their laparoscopic advanced procedures. At our institution, however, we prefer all procedures be performed in the American position (patient supine and the surgeon at the side of the patient), since this resembles the position used for other, open surgeries. The advantage of this approach is that it eliminates the risks associated with placement of the patient in the lithotomy position.