leg safety strap during surgery

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I'm not very familiar w/ operating rooms or surgeries, so bear with me as I ask for explaination of what is probably a very simple thing:

I was present in the OR when my wife had her C sections - I have always wondered why her legs were strapped (safety strap??) to the operating table? I can understand that the sheet/tent is placed to obstruct her view of the surgical field, but I don't really understand the leg strap.

Was it to keep her from falling off of the operating table? This seems highly unlikely and unnecessary, so if so, please explain the obvious to me (since it isnt' obvious to me).

Was it to keep her from raising her legs during the procedure? Again, this seems an unlikely reason, since it doesn't seem to me that anyone would be inclined to raise their legs or even move when undergoing a C section.

Can anyone give me detailed reasons for the leg strap during a C section? Thanks.

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.
I'm not very familiar w/ operating rooms or surgeries, so bear with me as I ask for explaination of what is probably a very simple thing:

I was present in the OR when my wife had her C sections - I have always wondered why her legs were strapped (safety strap??) to the operating table? I can understand that the sheet/tent is placed to obstruct her view of the surgical field, but I don't really understand the leg strap.

Was it to keep her from falling off of the operating table? This seems highly unlikely and unnecessary, so if so, please explain the obvious to me (since it isnt' obvious to me).

Was it to keep her from raising her legs during the procedure? Again, this seems an unlikely reason, since it doesn't seem to me that anyone would be inclined to raise their legs or even move when undergoing a C section.

Can anyone give me detailed reasons for the leg strap during a C section? Thanks.

Just plain old safety......

We have to move the bed alot, and also, when going to sleep, and waking up, sometimes people can move around alot. Involuntary reflexes, also.

In the OR every pt gets a safety strap!!! Part of the deal....:lol2:

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

You wife probably also had an epidural which makes her less aware of her legs so that is another reason.

Swtooth

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

above posters have explained general rationale for use of leg safety strap.

since we do not know the particulars of your wifes care, please feel free to discuss this with her obgyn at follow-up visit.

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thanks for your understanding.

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