COMPLICATIONS OF THE EXAGGERATED LITHOTOMY POSITION - A REVIEW OF 177CASES

To examine the incidence and nature of complications associated with p lacing 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 positio n. Height-to-weight ratio was calculated in an effort to establish a r elationship 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 th e incidence of neurapraxic complications. The study demonstrates the s afety of this highly useful surgical position for perineal operations. The technical points relative to positioning are emphasized.