Lower Extremity Injury While Undergoing Urology Procedures in the Trendelenburg with Lithotomy Position: Three Case Reports

Abstract

PurposeTo report and discuss the incidence of severe lower extremity injuries associated with robotic procedures in Trendelenburg with lithotomy position. Design and MethodsA case study method was used to describe three cases of patients who underwent robotically assisted urological procedures in Trendelenburg with lithotomy position and developed serious lower extremities injuries resulting in fasciotomies. Furthermore, a literature review was conducted to evaluate risk factors and possible interventions for the prevention of similar injuries. FindingsCase analysis revealed multifactorial causes, including patient comorbidities, long surgical procedures, and blood pressure decreases below the baseline for more than 30 minutes. The severity of lower extremity injury associated with lithotomy position may be underestimated. The etiology of peripheral nerve injury can be attributed to patient comorbidities, positioning, and surgical conditions. Injury prevention should include careful patient and procedural risk assessment, staff education, and communication strategies. ConclusionsExtreme Trendelenburg with lithotomy position for longer periods can lead to serious lower extremities injuries. Preanesthetic screening and multidisciplinary team discussions for additional precautions for high-risk patients are crucial interventions to decrease incidence and severity of lower extremities injuries.