What is a major risk associated with the lithotomy position during surgery?

• A. Increased coordination
• B. Potential nerve damage
• C. Reduced visibility for the surgical team
• D. Enhanced access to the surgical site

Answer: (B)

The lithotomy position, which involves the patient lying on their back with legs elevated and spread apart, presents a major risk of potential nerve damage. This is primarily due to the positioning of the legs, which can compress nerves in the lower extremities, particularly the peroneal nerve at the knee and the femoral nerve at the hip. Prolonged pressure and improper positioning can lead to various complications, including neuropraxia, which is a temporary loss of nerve function or injury.

Maintaining proper alignment and ensuring that the legs are supported correctly throughout the surgical procedure are crucial to mitigate these risks. Awareness and precautionary measures by the surgical team help to prevent such complications associated with nerve injury, highlighting why this risk is critical in the context of the lithotomy position.