1. POSITIONING INPOSITIONING IN
OPERATING THEATREOPERATING THEATRE
BYBY
JEEVA.DJEEVA.D
NURSING TUTOR,NURSING TUTOR,
GANGA INSTITUTE OFGANGA INSTITUTE OF
HEALTHHEALTH
SCIENCE,COIMBATORE.SCIENCE,COIMBATORE.

3. AIM AND OBJECTIVESAIM AND OBJECTIVES
• To provide knowledge on common surgical
position of patient in during surgery
• To identify and develop awareness of
potential complication in patient positioning
• To practice measure to avoid injuries and
others complication to patient during
surgery
• To promote safety and safeguarding patient
well-being during intra-operative period

4. ASSOCIATED RISK PATIENT FACTORASSOCIATED RISK PATIENT FACTOR
• ADVANCED AGE
• NUTRITIONAL STATUS
• RESPIRATORY DISORDER
• CIRCULATORY DISEASE
• OBESE PATIENT
• CHRONIC IMMOBILITY
• PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
• UNDERLYING MEDICAL PROBLEMS
• NATURE OF SURGERY

5. GOAL OF PATIENT POSITIONINGGOAL OF PATIENT POSITIONING
• PROMOTE PROPER PHYSIOLOGICAL
ALIGNMENT
• MINIMAL INTEFERENCE WITH
CIRCULATION
• PROTECTION OF SKELETAL AND
NEUROMASCULAR STRUCTURES
• OPTIMUM EXPOSURE TO OPERATIVE AND
ANAESTHETIST SITE
• PROVIDE PATIENT’S COMFORT AND
SAFETY
• MAINTENANCE OF PATIENT’S DIGNITY
• STABILITY AND SECURITY IN POSITION

6. OPERATIVE NURSINGOPERATIVE NURSING
ROLESROLES
• Be knowledgeable on table mechanism
• Prepare table attachments and accessories
• Familiar with various patient position for
optimum surgery access
• Placement of patient to comfortable position
• Correct position placement when a table break
is needed intra-operatively
• Prevent interference with respiration whilst
moving

7. OPERATIVE NURSING ROLESOPERATIVE NURSING ROLES
• Ensure patient is fully anaesthetized before
positioning
• Never reposition without anaesthetist
supervision
• Table fitting must be placed without
obstruction to incision site
• All fitting and attachments must be secure
completely
• Ergonomic care whilst positioning
• Applying diathermy plate

8. INTRAOPERATIVE NURSINGINTRAOPERATIVE NURSING
CONSIDERATIONSCONSIDERATIONS
• Maintenance of unimpaired respiratory actionMaintenance of unimpaired respiratory action
• Maintenance of physiological alignment fromMaintenance of physiological alignment from
pressurepressure
• Maintenance of adequate circulation avoidingMaintenance of adequate circulation avoiding
impaired venous returnimpaired venous return
• Maintenance of body temperature by limitingMaintenance of body temperature by limiting
exposureexposure
• Avoiding metal contactAvoiding metal contact
• Sufficient staffs and equipments for positioningSufficient staffs and equipments for positioning
• Pressure over the patientPressure over the patient

9. POSITION DEVICESPOSITION DEVICES
• Patient-positioning devices can bePatient-positioning devices can be
divided into two categoriesdivided into two categories
• One which are primarily geared towardOne which are primarily geared toward
pressure-reliefpressure-relief
• Ones which are designed to provideOnes which are designed to provide
better access to the surgical sitebetter access to the surgical site

10. TABLE ACCESSORIESTABLE ACCESSORIES
AND ATTACHMENTSAND ATTACHMENTS

11. TABLE FEATURESANDTABLE FEATURESAND
ATTACHMENTSATTACHMENTS
HYDRAULIC
WHEELED BASE
STAND
DETACHABLE
FOOT REST
MANUAL
LEVER
ARM BOARD
SLIDING
BARS
BREAKABLE
HEAD REST
ELEVATED
ARM REST LATERAL SUPPORT STIRRUPS
METAL SOCKET
OTHERS – PILLOWS, HEAD RING, SANDBAGS, ROLL SUPPORT, SOFT PADS, MATTRESS

12. POSITION DURING INDUCTION OFPOSITION DURING INDUCTION OF
ANAESTHESIAANAESTHESIA
• SUPINE POSITION
• HEAD EXTENDED
• NECK FLEXED
• AIM – to visualized Oral,
Pharyngeal and Tracheal
spaces
• POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS – Trauma to lips
and teeth, Jaw dislocations, laryngeal or vocal cords
injury, epistaxis and trauma to pharyngeal wall

13. SURGICAL POSITIONINGSURGICAL POSITIONING

14. SUPINE OR DORSAL POSITIONSUPINE OR DORSAL POSITION
• The patient lies flatThe patient lies flat
on his backon his back
• The arms may beThe arms may be
placed beside theplaced beside the
body, on an armboardbody, on an armboard
or supported acrossor supported across
the chest by liftingthe chest by lifting
up the gown which acts as slingup the gown which acts as sling
• Most common Operative position, such as inMost common Operative position, such as in
Laparotomy, certain Gynecological and OrthopedicLaparotomy, certain Gynecological and Orthopedic
casescases
SUPINE/DORSAL POSITION

15. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Head not Hyperextended Backache resulted from
unsupported lumbosacral
curvature
To ensure that arms are
not abducted < 90°
Paralysis of arm and hand due
to over abduction
Armboard is padded
Hand in prone position
Radial or Ulnar nerve palsy due
to arm or elbow hanging or
tight strapping
Arms do not overlap or
hang over table edge
Patient protected from
metal contact
Continuous pressure on the
calves may caused venous stasis
resulting thrombosis which can
lead to Pulmonary Embolisms
Bony prominences are
protected (occiput, scapulae,
thoracic vertebrae, olecranaon,
sacrum and coccyx, calcaneus)

16. Potential pressurepointsPotential pressurepoints

17. PRONE POSITIONPRONE POSITION
• The patient lying with abdomen on table surface
• Arms are placed above the head
• Pillows are placed under the shoulders, hips and feet
• Access for all surgeries involving posterior back
(cervical spine, back, rectal area and dorsal extremities)
PRONE POSITION

18. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Pillow or towel under
shoulders and hip
facilitate chest expansion,
reduce abdominal
pressure and venous
oozing at operation site
Lower neck and upper back
pain resulting from
hyperextension of head
Radial and ulnar nerve palsy
due to arm restrainer
Hypotension resulted from
pressure on inferior vena cava
and pooling of blood in lower
limbs
Head not hyperextended,
placed on side and kept
supported
Pressure point are well
protected with pad (cheek,
ear, acromion process,
breast, genitalia, patella,
dorsum of feet, toes)
Shoulder dislocation during arm
positioning
Brachial plexus injury due to
over extension of arm < 90°

19. Potential NerveInjuriesPotential NerveInjuries
Brachial Plexus

20. Potential pressurepointsPotential pressurepoints

21. TRENDELENBURG POSITIONTRENDELENBURG POSITION
• Patient lying in supinePatient lying in supine
position with kneesposition with knees
over lower break ofover lower break of
the tablethe table
• Head tilted down to 15Head tilted down to 15° or according to the surgeon° or according to the surgeon
preferencespreferences
• Arms may placed on the chest or armboardArms may placed on the chest or armboard
• Common position for laparoscopic surgeries in pelvic orCommon position for laparoscopic surgeries in pelvic or
lower abdominal regionlower abdominal region
• Using of shoulder or knee braces may benefit patientUsing of shoulder or knee braces may benefit patient
from slidingfrom sliding
TRENDELENBURG POSITIONTRENDELENBURG POSITION

22. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Head not hyperextended and arm
not abducted beyond 90°
A 30° Trendelenburg
position may caused
changes in blood pressure,
cerebral edema, congestion
of face and neck
Hands on padded armboards are
supinated
Arms not overlap the table edge or
hang over A too steep position may
result in cyanosis due to
alteration on diaphragmatic
extension and lung
expansion
Patient is protected from metal
contact
Bony prominences are well
protected (occiput, scapulae,
thoracic vertebrae, olecranon,
sacrum and coccyx and
calcaneus)
Shearing of skin may
occurred during
positioning
Returning leg first to reverse
venous stasis

23. REVERSE TRENDELEBURGREVERSE TRENDELEBURG
POSITIONPOSITION
• Patient in supine
position with arms
by sides or on armboard
• Table tilted to 5-10°
raising the head
• A sand bag may used
below the neck and the shoulder blade for extension of
neck (RUSS TECHNIQUE)
• The head stabilized by head ring
• Position often used for head and neck surgery to reduce
venous congestion
• To prevent stomach regurgitation during induction of
anaesthesia
REVERSEREVERSE
TRENDELENBURG POSITIONTRENDELENBURG POSITION

24. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Head not hyperextended and arm not
abducted beyond 90°
Backache may result from
unsupported lumbosacral
curvatureHands on padded armboards are
supinated Paralysis may occurred due
to over abduction of armArms not overlap the table edge or
hang over
Ulnar and radial palsy due to
elbow or arm hanging over
the table or tight restraint
Patient is protected from metal contact
Bony prominences are well protected
(occiput, scapulae, thoracic
vertebrae, olecranon, sacrum and
coccyx and calcaneus)
Pulmonary embolisms as a
result of venous stasis
Cardiovascular overloaded
due to quick returnAnti embolic stocking may be used to
prevent blood pooling
Skin shearing due to sliding
down
Foot bracket may used to prevent
sliding

25. Potential pressurepointsPotential pressurepoints

26. LITHOTOMY POSITIONLITHOTOMY POSITION
• Patient lies in supine
position with buttocks
at the lower break of
the table
• Lithotomy stirrups placed
in position level with
patient ischial spine
• Arms placed over the chest or on an armboard
• Legs are lifted together upwards and outwards and feet
placed in knee crutch or candy cane
• Common position for Urology, Gynecology, perineal or
rectal operations

27. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Two person required to raised
the legs simultaneously by
grasping the sole and other
hand supporting the calf
Severe backache caused by too
high stirrups
Calf holder may resulted
peroneal or femoral obturator
nerve damageStirrups bars must be checked
and secure before use and it’s
height must be similar and not
suspend the patient weight
Osteoarthritis or stiff hips due
to rough handling
Too quick of lowering the legs
may cause hypotensionThe buttock must be even with
the edge of bed to prevent
lumbosacral strain Femoral nerve damage due to
acutely flexed thighs
Anti embolic stocking may
used to promote venous return
Bony prominences protected
Hip dislocation or fracture as a
result faulty stirrups

28. Potential NerveInjuriesPotential NerveInjuries

29. TYPESOF STIRRUPSAND IT’STYPESOF STIRRUPSAND IT’S
HAZARDSHAZARDS
• KNEE CRUTCHKNEE CRUTCH
– Pressure on peroneal nervePressure on peroneal nerve
resulting footdrop andresulting footdrop and
neuropathiesneuropathies
• CANDY CANECANDY CANE
– Pressure on distalsural andPressure on distalsural and
plantar nerves which canplantar nerves which can
cause neuropathies of thecause neuropathies of the
footfoot
– Hyperabduction mayHyperabduction may
exaggerated flexion andexaggerated flexion and
stretch sciatic nervestretch sciatic nerve
• BOOTH TYPEBOOTH TYPE
– May produce support moreMay produce support more
evenly and reduce localizedevenly and reduce localized
pressurepressure
KNEE CRUTCH
BOOTH TYPE
CANDY CANE

30. LATERAL OR KIDNEY POSITIONLATERAL OR KIDNEY POSITION
• Patient lying with onePatient lying with one
side facing operativeside facing operative
side uppermostside uppermost
• The legs flexed to 90The legs flexed to 90°°
and a pillow is placedand a pillow is placed
in betweenin between
• Upper arm rested onUpper arm rested on
elevated arm rest and the other remains flexed on theelevated arm rest and the other remains flexed on the
table or armboardtable or armboard
• A roll bags may used below the hip/kidney to increasedA roll bags may used below the hip/kidney to increased
exposure of iliac regionexposure of iliac region
• Position is maintained by use of sandbags or bracesPosition is maintained by use of sandbags or braces
attached to the side of bedattached to the side of bed
• Head supported on a pillowHead supported on a pillow
LATERAL/KIDNEY POSITIONLATERAL/KIDNEY POSITION

31. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
If table break is used, it mustIf table break is used, it must
be correctly level with iliacbe correctly level with iliac
crest to prevent alteration increst to prevent alteration in
respiration and severe post-respiration and severe post-
operative backacheoperative backache
If the kidney rest raised too
much, the lungs will not expand
adequately which will result in
cyanosis and hypotension
Injuries to brachial plexus,
median, radial and ulnar nerves
can occur if upper arm is not
supported
Ensure ear is not trappedEnsure ear is not trapped
when supporting the headwhen supporting the head
Arms are supported withArms are supported with
adequate padding to preventadequate padding to prevent
pressure necrosispressure necrosis
If the head is not supported
adequately, brachial plexus can
get stretched
Perineal nerve damage may
resulted from compression on the
down knee against hard surface
Bony prominences are fullyBony prominences are fully
protectedprotected (ribs, iliac crest, greater(ribs, iliac crest, greater
trochanter, medial and lateral femoraltrochanter, medial and lateral femoral
epicondyles, Tibial condyles, Malleous)epicondyles, Tibial condyles, Malleous)

32. Potential pressurepointsPotential pressurepoints

33. NEUROSURGICAL POSITIONNEUROSURGICAL POSITION
• The patient may lying
in a supine position,
prone or lateral
• The head is positioned
either on soft ring or a
spiked head rest
• The head of the table may be tilted a little to
facilitate venous drainage and to reduce CSF
pressure in the brain
NEUROSURGICAL POSITIONNEUROSURGICAL POSITION

34. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Ensure patient is fully
anaesthetized before
Similar complications
as for prone and supine
positionspositioning or insertion or head
spike
Development of skin
pressure over the ear,
cheek or face if using
head ring for several
hours (supine)
Eye are well covered and fully
protected by pads
Position of spike must not harm
patient’s ears and eyes
Face is protected from pressure
when in prone position
Sciatic nerve damage
may result due to long
pressure on the dorsum
of the foots
Arms are in good anatomical
alignments
Bony prominences is protected
whilst in all position

35. FRACTURE TABLE POSITIONFRACTURE TABLE POSITION
• Patient positioned in
supine with the pelvis
stabilized against well
padded vertical perineal
post
• Traction of operative leg is achieved either by boot-
shaped cuff or devices with restraining straps
• Un affected leg may be rested on well padded,
elevated leg holder
• Common position for ORIF of hip or closed femoral
nailing
FRACTURE TABLE POSITION

36. ORTHOPAEDIC FRACTURE TABLEORTHOPAEDIC FRACTURE TABLE

37. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Patient usually brought into
theatre with hospital bed and
traction applied
Pressure due to perineal
post may injured genital
structure
Ensure patient is anaesthetized
before transfer onto OT table
Fecal incontinence and
loss of perineal sensation
may occurred as a result of
pressure injury to perineal
and pudendal nerve
Operating table are and
attachments are ready according
to surgeon preferences or
standard manual
Tight strap may resulted
peroneal or femoral
obturator nerve damage
resulting in foot drop
Cautions and extra care regarding
shear force injuries,
musculoskeletal and nervous
system during transfer
Bony prominences protected

38. KNEE-CHEST POSITIONKNEE-CHEST POSITION
• Patient lying intoPatient lying into
prone positionprone position
• Both legs are abductedBoth legs are abducted
and flexed togetherand flexed together
at right anglesat right angles
• Knees flexed and hipKnees flexed and hip
elevatedelevated
• Head, shoulders and chest rest directly on the tableHead, shoulders and chest rest directly on the table
• Arms are placed above the headArms are placed above the head
• Primary position for sigmoidoscopies and laminectomyPrimary position for sigmoidoscopies and laminectomy
procedureprocedure
KNEE-CHEST POSITIONKNEE-CHEST POSITION

39. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Legs moved together to
prevent back strain
Lower neck and upper back
pain due to hyperextended head
Arms gently lift up to
prevent dislocation
Ulnar or radial nerve palsies as
a result tight arm restrainer
Head is not hyperextended
and placed to the side on a
pillow
Hypotension due to pressure on
inferior vena cava and pooling
of blood at lower extremities
Bony prominences are
well protected (cheek, ear,
forehead, nose, eyes,
acromion process, breast
[women], genitalia, patella,
dorsum of feet, toes)
Shoulder dislocation or brachial
plexus injury when placing the
arms
Patient may fall from table if
bracket are not secure and fail
to support patient’s weight

40. Potential pressurepointsPotential pressurepoints

41. SEMI-FOWLER’SAND FOWLER’SSEMI-FOWLER’SAND FOWLER’S
POSITIONPOSITION
• The patient positioned in
supine with the upper body
part is flexed to 45° or 90°
and the knees slightly
flexed and legs lowered
• Arms may be placed over
the laps or armboard
• A footrest is used to prevent
footdrop and head spike to stabilized head
• Useful position for craniotomies, shoulder or
breast reconstruction and ENTS’
SEMI-FOWLER’S AND
FOWLER’S POSITION

42. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
The cervical, thoracic and
lumbar section of spine must
be aligned once position
established
Orthostatic hypotension due
to blood pooling at lower
extremities
Risk of venous thrombosis
and embolisms as a result of
impended venous return
Extra padding are requires
over bony prominences
(coccyx, ischial tuberosities,
calcaneus, elbows, knees and
scapulae)
High risk of development of
skin pressure over affected
bony prominences
The use of anti-embolism
stocking may necessary to
assist venous return
Alteration on chest
movement due to restriction
from rested arms or tight
straps
Reposition after surgery must
be done gently and slowly

43. Potential pressurepointsPotential pressurepoints

44. JACKNIFE POSITIONJACKNIFE POSITION
• A modification of prone
position
• Patient hips are supported
on a pillow and the table
are flexed at 90° angle,
raising the hips and lowering head and body
• A straps used over the thigh to prevent shearing and
sliding
• The head, face, shoulders, chest and feet are supported
by soft pads or rolls to prevent bony pressure
• Common position for hemorrhoidectomy or pilonidal
sinus procedures
JACKKNIFE POSITION
(KRASKE’S)

45. NURSING PRECAUTIONS POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Pillow or towel under shoulders
and hip facilitate chest
expansion and reduced
abdominal pressure
Lower neck and upper back pain
resulting from hyperextension
of head
Injury to genitalia due to
pressureAnti-embolisms stocking aid
venous return Radial and ulnar nerve palsy
due to arm restrainerHead not hyperextended, placed
on side and kept supported Hypotension resulted from
pooling of blood in lower limbsPressure point are well protected
with pad (cheek, ear, acromion
process, breast, genitalia,
patella, dorsum of feet, toes)
Shoulder dislocation during arm
positioning
Brachial plexus injury due to
over extension of arm < 90°
Patient turn using log-roll
technique end of procedure

46. POSITIONING OF ELDERLY PATIENTPOSITIONING OF ELDERLY PATIENT
• FRAGILE SKIN SURFACES
• ARTHRITIC JOINTS
• LIMITED RANGE OF MOTION
• PARALYSIS
• LIFTING RATHER THAN SLIDING OR
DRAGGING
• AVOID OF ADHESIVE TAPE FOR
STRAPPING
• ADEQUATE PADDING FOR BONY
PROMINENCES
• ALLOW PATIENT TO POSITIONING BEFORE
ANAESTHETIZED

47. POSITIONING OF PAEDIATRICPOSITIONING OF PAEDIATRIC
PATIENTPATIENT
• Think of ‘appropriate size’
• Right size for bed and attachments
• May necessary to use safety strap
• Never overextended limbs or keep in one
position for longer periods
• Due to small size, children are prone to and
has greater risk of physiologically
compromised
• Appropriate positioning and observation
are essential

48. • “It’s not all about technique. It’s
about knowledge. If you know
what causes complications and
how to prevent them, you will be
more likely to keep patient
positioning in mind as something
you should routinely monitor.”

49. THANK YOUTHANK YOU