[The effect of prone position in spinal surgery on respiration and circulation]

The effects of position change on respiration and circulation of 42 patients during spinal operations were investigated in this study. The results showed that, if the patient was placed on the operation position following the administration of the anesthesia, the changes of respiration (f, VT, MV) and circulation (SBP, HR) were significant (P < 0.01, 0.05). On the contrary, if the patient was placed in the operation position and then started the anesthesia, the respiratory and circulatory changes were comparatively stable (P > 0.05). The authors concluded that: 1. for the cases undergoing spinal operations, it is advisable to place the patient in the operation position first and then start the anesthesia; 2. for the critical cases, a tolerable position should be adopted; 3. during the adjustment of the position of the patient, the clavicle and the ilium should be used as the fulcrum so as to avoid driect contact of the chest and abdoment with the operation table, thus to minimze interference on the respiratory and circulatory functions.