Marian lithotomy refers to a surgical procedure used in the past for the removal of bladder or kidney stones. The procedure was named after the French physician André Levret's wife, Marion Le Royer, who underwent the surgery successfully in the 18th century.
During the marian lithotomy procedure, the patient was positioned in a lithotomy position, lying on their back with the thighs flexed and legs raised. A series of incisions were made in the perineum, which is the area between the anus and the genitals, to access the urinary tract. The surgeon would then locate and remove the stones, which could be present in the bladder or kidneys.
Marian lithotomy was considered a significant advancement in lithotomy techniques of its time. Its popularity was partly due to its reported success in treating bladder stones, which were a prevalent medical issue in the past. However, the procedure was also associated with high mortality rates and post-operative complications, including infections and damage to surrounding tissues.
With the advancement of medical technology and the introduction of less invasive procedures, such as endoscopic techniques, the use of marian lithotomy declined. Today, it is rarely performed, and the term "marian lithotomy" primarily serves as a historical reference to an outdated surgical method.
In conclusion, marian lithotomy was a surgical procedure used in the past to remove bladder or kidney stones. Although it played a significant role in the treatment of urinary stones, its usage has decreased significantly over time due to the development of safer and less invasive alternatives.
