Should we induce general anesthesia in the prone position?

For patients requiring surgery in the prone position, an alternative to a traditional supine induction is allowing the patient to position themselves comfortably prone and inducing anesthesia in that position. The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature and evaluate the safety of induction of anesthesia in the prone position.

The first randomized trial comparing induction in the supine vs. prone position for patients requiring spinal surgery was published earlier this year and reported a time-saving benefit. Multiple case series report the feasibility of this approach; however, the potential benefits of prone induction, namely a reduction in pressure injuries and avoidance of complications of the turn itself, remain unproven. Increased familiarity with prone insertion of supraglottic airways is a useful tool in case of accidental intraoperative extubation in a patient who is already prone. Potential disadvantages include loss of the airway during induction, reduced ability to manage adverse hemodynamic consequences of induction and restriction to use of a supraglottic airway.

The reviewed literature shows that elective prone induction of anesthesia using supraglottic airways, in select patients, is feasible and associated with very low complication rates; however, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that this should be done routinely.