The lithotomy position is a meical term referring to a common position for surgical procedures and medical examinations involving pelvis and lower abdomen. References to the position have been found in some of the oldest known medical documents including versions of the Hippocratic oath (see lithotomy), the position is after the ancient surgical procedure for removing kidney stones, gall stones and bladder stones via the perineum. The position is perhaps most recognizable as the 'often used' position for child birth: the patient is lain on the back with knees bent, positioned above the hips, and spread apart through the use of stirrups.