[Comparative studies of patient positioning for lumbar intervertebral disk operation]

For surgery on lumbar disks by the posterior route, patients are placed either on a Wilson frame or in genupectoral position. The aim of the prospective study was to record and describe the haemodynamic changes resulting from the patients' position. After written informed consent had been received, 80 neurosurgical patients undergoing lumbar disk surgery were randomly divided into two groups; group I--Wilson frame, group II--genupectoral position. In each group, 20 patients received total intravenous anaesthesia (Alfentanil or Remifentanil, Propofol) and 20 balanced anaesthesia with Isoflurane and Alfentanil or Remifentanil. Haemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure--MAP and heart rate--HR) were recorded automatically at three measuring times (MT): firstly, after induction of anaesthesia; secondly, before re-direction; thirdly, after re-direction on the Wilson frame or in the genupectoral position. Induction of anaesthesia did not lead to a significant decrease in MAP (MT 1: 92.5 +/- 15.2 mmHg, MT 2: 89 +/- 13.4 mmHg, n = 80). In group I (n = 40), no significant changes were observed in MAP and HR at MT 3 (p = 0.882, p = 0.051). In comparison to group I, the genupectoral position was associated with significant drops in MAP and HR. The genupectoral position caused a significant decrease in MAP (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.016) at MT 3. Our data suggest that body weight or body mass index do not necessarily lead to a preference for one of the two possible positions of the patient. Complications resulting from haemodynamic changes were not seen in either group. We recommend the Wilson frame for neurosurgical lumbar disk surgery in cases of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. The adaptive capacities in the genupectoral position as a result of the modifying distribution of blood volume are limited in these patients. Furthermore, the dose-dependent effects of different anaesthetics on haemodynamic parameters in these prone positions should be explored.