Complications associated with patient positioning in urologic surgery

The impact of patient positioning can be profound. Urological surgeons must often exercise strategic positioning in order to access retroperitoneal and pelvic organs. However, the potential for position-related morbidity, particularly peripheral neuropraxia and compartment syndrome can be substantial. The purpose of the following review is to summarize the current literature on positioning-related concerns as they pertain to the practicing urologist. To our knowledge, this is the first such review of its kind in the urological literature.