Which procedure requires the patient to be positioned supine in modified lithotomy?

Which procedure requires the patient to be positioned supine in modified lithotomy?

• A. Cesarean section
• B. Open bladder surgery
• C. Abdominoperineal resection
• D. Thyroidectomy

Answer: (C)

Positioning a patient supine with the hips and legs in a modified lithotomy setup provides exposure to both the abdominal cavity and the perineal region. An abdominoperineal resection requires access to the lower rectum through the perineum as well as mobilization of the colon from the abdomen, so this dual exposure is best achieved with that position. It allows the surgeon to work in the abdomen and then directly in the perineal area without repositioning the patient. The other procedures don’t require this combination of access. A cesarean section is performed primarily through the uterus and lower abdomen with the patient typically in a supine position (often with a slight left tilt), not needing perineal exposure. A thyroidectomy focuses on the neck and requires neck extension. Open bladder surgery is done in the supine position with the legs may be placed in lithotomy for urethral access, but the key exposure driving the need for modified lithotomy in this context is specifically the combined abdominal and perineal access of an abdominoperineal resection.

Positioning a patient supine with the hips and legs in a modified lithotomy setup provides exposure to both the abdominal cavity and the perineal region. An abdominoperineal resection requires access to the lower rectum through the perineum as well as mobilization of the colon from the abdomen, so this dual exposure is best achieved with that position. It allows the surgeon to work in the abdomen and then directly in the perineal area without repositioning the patient.

The other procedures don’t require this combination of access. A cesarean section is performed primarily through the uterus and lower abdomen with the patient typically in a supine position (often with a slight left tilt), not needing perineal exposure. A thyroidectomy focuses on the neck and requires neck extension. Open bladder surgery is done in the supine position with the legs may be placed in lithotomy for urethral access, but the key exposure driving the need for modified lithotomy in this context is specifically the combined abdominal and perineal access of an abdominoperineal resection.