A Longitudinal Study of Patient Reported Positioning-Related Discomfort and Pain after Laparoscopic Surgery in the Lithotomy Position

Abstract

Background: Our hypothesis was that only established and persistent injuries and complications after positioning in the Trendelenburg position are reported and detected, despite that patients may have great discomfort after surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore patient reported discomfort, pain and functional decrease two hours, 24 hours and four weeks after laparoscopic resection of the colon in the prone lithotomy position, as well as factors potentially associated with reported pain. Methods: A longitudinal self-report questionnaire study was conducted at three time-points. Results: A total of 37 patients responded. Findings show that patients mostly reported pain in relation to the surgical area, but also related to other areas that may be linked to positioning. Conclusion: Even though patients reported mild pain, several of the patients still reported this, four weeks postoperatively, as well as some functional decrease. Our findings support the need to focus on preventing positioning injuries.