[Positioning of the patient for esophageal hiatus surgery]

A prospective study was conducted to determine the best position of patients undergoing esophageal hiatus surgery. Three positions were compared: 1) use of a cushion; 2) use of the operating table block, and 3) the ordinary supine position. Twenty-four consecutive patients undergoing surgical approach to the esophageal hiatus were placed successively in the three positions. The distance between the xiphoid process and the hiatus area was shorter in positions 1 and 2 by an average of 0.8 cm as compared with position 3 (p < 0.001). The angle determined by the xiphoid process and a horizontal line passing through the hiatas area was 14 degrees and 8 degrees, more when the cushion and the block were used, respectively, as compared with the supine position (p < 0.01). We recommend the use of the cushion in hiatal surgery, affording better exposure and therefore a more comfortable approach to the hiatal area as compared with the supine position.