Which body position should be avoided after a hysterectomy due to increased risk of complications?

After a hysterectomy, it is important to avoid knee flexion to reduce the risk of complications, particularly the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When a patient maintains knee flexion for an extended period, it can impede venous return from the lower extremities, leading to stasis of blood. This stasis significantly increases the likelihood of clot formation in the veins.

In contrast, the other positions listed—supine, left lateral, and sitting straight—are generally considered safe and can actually facilitate proper circulation or comfort during recovery. Maintaining a supine position allows for rest and healing, while the left lateral position can be beneficial for comfort and also helps with respiratory function. Sitting straight, if done intermittently, can help with mobilization and does not pose a risk as long as the knees are not kept flexed for too long.

Therefore, avoiding knee flexion is critical in the postoperative care of patients after a hysterectomy to ensure optimal recovery and minimize the risk of complications such as DVT.