The lateral sitting position for neurosurgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Anesthesiology
• Patient Positioning

Background:

• The conventional sitting position is commonly used for posterior fossa and spine neurosurgery.
• Potential complications include arterial hypotension and venous air embolism.
• Patient repositioning can be challenging in the conventional sitting position.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the lateral sitting position for neurosurgical procedures.
• To compare the lateral sitting position with the conventional sitting position regarding patient management and surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Anesthetic management of over 300 patients in the lateral sitting position for posterior fossa, cervical, and upper thoracic spine surgeries over 20 years.
• Assessment of patient repositioning ease and speed.
• Monitoring and management of arterial hypotension and venous air embolism.

Main Results:

• The lateral sitting position facilitates quick and easy repositioning to the horizontal position.
• This position offers advantages in managing arterial hypotension and venous air embolism.
• Satisfactory surgical completion was achieved with patients in the lateral horizontal position.

Conclusions:

• The lateral sitting position is a viable and advantageous alternative for specific neurosurgical procedures.
• It enhances patient safety by simplifying management of critical intraoperative events.
• This positioning technique supports successful surgical outcomes.