Abstract
Purpose: One of the factors contributing to complications during surgeries is pressure on the body surface. We investigated whether back pressure was affected by the surgical site in the lithotomy position, and whether the maximum pressure site was changed. Methods: Lower gastrointestinal and gynecological surgery cases with a lithotomy position were included in the study. The surgeries were divided into four groups: lower gastrointestinal surgery open (SO) and laparoscopic (SL) and gynecological surgery open (GO) and laparoscopic (GL). The pressure applied to the back during those surgeries were measured over time. Results: Seventy-two patients were enrolled in the study: 17 SO, 20 SL, 11 GO, and 24 GL. The back pressure in the SO was significantly lower than that in the other groups initially and over time. Based on the comparison by surgical site, the GO had higher scores than the SO, and the GL had lower scores than the SL. The relationship between initial pressure and body weight or body mass index were examined, but no significant correlation was found in either case. By monitoring pressure over time, it was shown that the maximum pressure site could be moved. Conclusion: During laparotomy of the lower gastrointestinal tract, the back pressure was lower than that in other surgeries. During the surgeries in lithotomy position, the back pressure was different depending on the surgical site and technique. The maximum pressure site were moved during the surgery.
