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February 26, 2026World Journal of Urology0 citationsOpen Access

Impact of lithotomy position on ureteral course and psoas muscle: a combined survey and radiological evaluation by the EAU Endourology & YAU Endourology working groups

TSTarik Emre SENERNUNaif Dinc UlkerTATurker Altuntas

Key Points

  • The study aims to evaluate how lithotomy position affects the psoas muscle and ureteral course, as perceived by urologists and through radiological analysis.
  • Distributed an 11-item web-based survey to fellowship-trained endourologists
  • Conducted a radiological evaluation of adults undergoing DJ stent placement
  • Analyzed KUB X-rays for stent positioning in different body positions
  • 67.9% of urologists reported decreased psoas muscle length in lithotomy position
  • No significant different in stent-vertebra distances or angles based on position
  • 60.4% of urologists preferred standard dorsal lithotomy position

Abstract

To assess urologists’ perspectives on the impact of lithotomy position on the psoas muscle and ureteral course, and to radiologically evaluate these anatomical changes using a double J (DJ) stent as a marker. A prospective study was conducted between January and June 2025. An 11-item web-based survey was distributed to fellowship-trained endourologists to explore perceptions regarding lithotomy positioning during ureterorenoscopy. For radiological assessment, adults aged 18–65 who underwent DJ stent placement after ureteroscopy were analyzed using KUB X-rays obtained in supine and standard lithotomy positions. Distances between stent segments and lumbar vertebrae, as well as intersegmental angles, were measured and compared according to BMI. Fifty-three urologists completed the survey. Most reported that psoas muscle length decreases (67.9%) and width increases (66%) in lithotomy position. The standard dorsal lithotomy position was preferred by 60.4%, and 62.3% believed positioning could affect ureteroscope passage at the iliac vessel crossover. Adjustable leg supports were routinely used by 84.9%. Increasing lithotomy level was not considered to significantly influence complication rates (69.8%), operative time (58.5%), or stone-free rates (62.3%). Among 22 radiologically evaluated patients (mean age 51.9 years, 64.6% male), no significant differences were found in stent–vertebra distances or segmental angles between positions, nor across BMI and gender groups. Although radiological analysis showed no measurable ureteral configuration changes, urologists perceive lithotomy positioning as potentially influential during endoscopic access. Further dynamic imaging and outcome-based studies are warranted to clarify its clinical significance.

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Cite This Study

SENER et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699fe32295ddcd3a253e6c1fhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-026-06298-0
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