Higher Operating Table for Optimal Needle-Entry Angle and Less Discomfort During Spinal Anesthesia.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Ergonomics

Background:

• Spinal anesthesia requires precise needle insertion.
• Anesthesiologist posture and discomfort can impact procedure success and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal operating table height for spinal anesthesia.
• To minimize anesthesiologist discomfort and improve needle insertion angles.

Main Methods:

• Sixty patients were randomized into four groups based on operating table height landmarks (umbilicus, lowest rib, xiphoid, nipple).
• Coronal insertion angles of the spinal needle were measured.
• Anesthesiologist discomfort and joint flexion were assessed.

Main Results:

• Operating tables set to the xiphoid and nipple levels facilitated a 90° coronal insertion angle for the spinal needle.
• Obtuse angles were observed with lower table heights (umbilicus, lowest rib).
• Higher table positions significantly reduced anesthesiologist discomfort and joint flexion.

Conclusions:

• Elevating operating tables to the xiphoid or nipple level optimizes spinal needle insertion angles.
• This ergonomic adjustment enhances anesthesiologist comfort and potentially procedural efficiency during spinal anesthesia.