Complications of the exaggerated lithotomy position: a review of 177 cases

To examine the incidence and nature of complications associated with placing patients in the exaggerated lithotomy position, a retrospective review of 177 procedures requiring the use of that position was done. Factors analyzed were patient age, height, weight and time in position. Height-to-weight ratio was calculated in an effort to establish a relationship between body habitus and common peroneal nerve neurapraxia, the most common complication (15.8%) noted in the study. Statistical analysis failed to show any relationship between these factors and the incidence of neurapraxic complications. The study demonstrates the safety of this highly useful surgical position for perineal operations. The technical points relative to positioning are emphasized.