Longnecker's Anesthesiology > Part 3. Safety and Risk Reduction in Anesthesia Practice > Chapter 26. Positioning of Patients for Operation Vijaya Gottumukkala, MB, BS, MD (Anes)

Key Points

"1. Proper positioning of the patient during the operative period is important for optimal surgical exposure and outcome.

2. Understanding the pathophysiologic changes and special considerations associated with each position helps in reducing positioning-related morbidity.

3. Improper positioning during surgery could lead to postoperative peripheral neuropathies, muscular sprain injuries, ischemic injury to skin and muscles, and visual loss.

4. Perioperative peripheral nerve injuries are the second most common cause of professional liability among anesthesiologists.

5. Male gender, extremes of body habitus, and prolonged hospitalization are considered risk factors for postoperative peripheral neuropathies.

6. Thorough assessment of risk factors for complications related to positioning should be an integral part of the preoperative evaluation.

7. As part of the informed consent, risks and benefits associated with positioning should be discussed with the patients.

8. Description of intraoperative positioning techniques and measures taken to prevent injury should be documented in the anesthetic record.

9. Familiarity and understanding of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Task Force on Prevention of Perioperative Peripheral..."