Study Investigating Role of Unalike Patient Positioning on PROMIS Scores

Patient positioning is an important component of vaginal surgery allowing the surgeon access to the vagina while minimizing patient discomfort and neurological injury. The data on appropriate patient positioning for gynecological vaginal surgery is limited with most providers basing the choice between candy cane and boot stirrups on personal preference. This study has the following aims:

• Aim 1: To perform a randomized controlled trial comparing candy cane stirrups to boot stirrups in patients undergoing vaginal surgery with the primary outcome of change in physical function at 6 weeks post-op as measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement and Information System (PROMIS®) 20-Item Physical Functioning Short-Form.
• Aim 2: The investigators aim to measure the angles at the level of hip, knee and foot joints during the surgery in both the candy cane and boot stirrups to assess any association between angles and physical function

Inclusion criteria

• Age > 18 years
• English speaking
• Scheduled to undergo vaginal or urological surgery with University of Louisville Urogynecology physicians

Exclusion criteria

• Immobile or wheelchair bound
• Pre-existing neurological condition limiting physical function
• Age < 18 years
• Patient's with dementia or unable to give informed consent
• Non-English speaking
• Unwilling to follow up in 6 weeks
• Patient's undergoing laparoscopic, robotic or abdominal surgery or surgery through a combined approach
• Patients undergoing surgery under local anesthesia
• Patients who will be awake during positioning