surgical positioning
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0. Surgical Positioning. Jeffrey Groom PhD, CRNA Nurse Anesthetist Program Florida International University. SURGICAL POSITIONING OBJECTIVES. Identify the role and responsibility of the anesthesia provider in patient positioning. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Surgical PositioningSurgical PositioningJeffrey Groom PhD, CRNA
Nurse Anesthetist ProgramFlorida International University
SURGICAL POSITIONING OBJECTIVES
SURGICAL POSITIONING OBJECTIVES
• Identify the role and responsibility of the anesthesia provider in patient positioning.
• Describe the complications associated with improper patient positioning.
• Describe the physiological changes that occur with the various positions.
• Identify scenarios involving medicolegal liability associated with improper patient positioning.
Surgical tableSurgical table
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
SUPINE
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Trendelenberg – Reverse Trendelenberg
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Lateral Tilt
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Lithotomy
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Sitting – Beach Chair
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
JackKnife - Kneeling
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Surgical PositioningOR Table Attachments
Surgical PositioningOR Table Attachments
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
• All positioning schemes have 3 goals:– 1. Maximum exposure to the surgical area
while maintaining homeostasis and preventing injury
– 2. Position must provide the Anesthetist with adequate access to the patient for airway management, ventilation, medications, and monitoring
– 3. Promote the enhancement of a satisfactory surgical result
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
What happens when the anesthetized patient can’t care for themselves?
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
When you sleep, you reposition yourself to prevent pressure ischemia. Under anesthesia, the patient does not reposition (protect) them self so the responsibility falls to the surgical team to prevent pressure ischemia & positioning injuries.
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
• Positioning and Anesthesia– Blunted or obtunded reflexes prevent
patients from repositioning themselves for relief of discomfort
– Anesthesia may blunt compensatory sympathetic nervous system reflexes that would minimize systemic BP changes with abrupt position changes
– Rendering patients unconscious and relaxed may permit placement in position they may not have normally tolerated in an awake state
Why is there a risk for injury ?
Patient Injury and Surgical Positioning Patient Injury and
Surgical Positioning
• Most are nerve injuries due to overstretching and/or compression.
• 90% undergo complete recovery.• 10% are left with residual weakness or sensory loss.• Many injuries can produce lasting disability.• Many injuries lead to litigation.• General anesthesia removes many of the bodies
natural protective mechanisms.• Recognition of risks and prevention is essential.
How do nerves get injured? Example
Nerve fiber
•motor fibers (somatic and autonomic) leave the cord via the ventral roots
•sympathetic fibers leave the cord via ventral roots from T1 - L2
•only sensory fibers run in the dorsal root
Peripheral Nerves from Spinal Cord
Peripheral Nerve InjuryPeripheral Nerve Injury
Preoperative History and Physical Assessment
Preexisting patient attributes associated with increased incidence of perioperative neuropathies:– extremes of age or body weight, – preexisting neurologic symptoms, – diabetes mellitus, – peripheral vascular disease,– alcohol dependency, – smoking, – and arthritis.
Surgical PositioningASA Closed Claims
Surgical PositioningASA Closed Claims
• 1999 - 670 claims for anesthesia-related nerve injuries
• #1 - Ulnar nerve (28%)
• #2 - Brachial plexus (20%)
• #3 - Common peroneal (13%)
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Ulnar nerve injury• Caused by arms along side patient in pronation• Ulnar nerve compressed at elbow between table
and medial epicondyle.• Prevented by positioning arms in supination.• Hypotension and hypoperfuison increase risk.
Ulnar NerveUlnar Nerve
Yo s’up dude?Yo s’up dude?
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Brachial Plexus Injury• Excessive arm abduction or external rotation.• Prevented by avoiding more than 90o abduction.• Secure arm to prevent arm from falling off of table
or arm board.
Brachial PlexusBrachial Plexus
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Brachial Plexus• Abduct arms to no more than 90 degrees.• Minimize simultaneous abduction, external arm rotation,
and opposite lateral head rotation.• In prone position, maintain abduction and anterior flexion
of arms above head to no more than 90 degrees.• In lateral position, place chest roll under lateral thorax to
minimize compression of humerus into axilla.
Brachial PlexusBrachial Plexus
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Peroneal nerve
• Caused by direct pressure on the nerve with the legs in lithotomy position.
• Nerve compressed against neck of fibula.
• Prevented by adequate padding of lithotomy poles.
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Surgical Positions and Anesthesia ImplicationsSurgical Positions and
Anesthesia Implications
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
SUPINE
Surgical PositioningSupine
Surgical PositioningSupine
• Most frequently used position.
• Cervical, thoracic, lumbar vertebrae should be in a straight, horizontal line.
• Minimal effects on circulation.
• FRC decreases 25-30% from upright.
• Arm boards and arm must be less than 90o abduction angle to the torso.
Surgical PositioningSupine (con't)
Surgical PositioningSupine (con't)
• Arms at greater than 90o angle results in stretch of the subclavian and axillary vessels resulting in radial pulse obliteration and arterial thrombosis.
• Injuries have been reported with as little as 60o
abduction.• Palms up- relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve
as it passes through the humeral notch at the elbow.
Surgical PositioningSupine
Surgical PositioningSupine
• Ulnar nerve injury
– Hypotension and hypoperfusion increase risk
– Inability to abduct or oppose the 5th finger
– Atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand (claw hand).
Surgical PositioningSupine
Surgical PositioningSupine
• Extreme rotation of the head can cause occlusion and thrombosis of the vertebral artery.
• Pressure from a mask or head strap can cause injuries of the supraorbital and facial nerves.
• Relaxation of the paraspinous muscles and flattening of the normal lumbar convexity results in tension on the interlumbar and lumbosacral ligaments causing a backache.
Surgical PositioningSupine
Surgical PositioningSupine
Surgical PositioningProne
Surgical PositioningProne
Surgical PositioningProne
• Induction completed on stretcher, then patient logrolled to OR table under command of CRNA
• Body ‘logrolled’ as a unit in a smooth, slow, and gentle manner.
• Neck in alignment with spinal column.• Eyes and ears protected and not depressed.• Chest rolls, or bolsters are placed lengthwise on
both sides of the thorax, extending from the acromioclavicular joints to iliac crest-adequate lung expansion and diaphragm excursion.
Surgical PositioningProne
Surgical PositioningProne
• Protect female breasts & male genitalia.• Pillow under legs & ankles to flex knees
and prevent pressure on toes and plantar flexion of feet.
• Arms at side or extended alongside the head on arm boards
• Documentation: pressure points padded, free abdominal and chest expansion, position of the arms, eye care
Surgical PositioningProne
Surgical PositioningProne
• Cardiac– Pooling of blood in extremities- Compression of abdominal muscles - Decrease preload, c.o., and blood pressure- Increased SVR and PVR- Decreased stroke volume and cardiac index- TEDS or pneumatic sequential compression
stockings to minimize pooling of blood
Surgical PositioningProne
Surgical PositioningProne
• Respiratory– Decreased lung compliance– Increased work of breathing– Thoracic Outlet Syndrome-secondary to
thoracic nerve compression (agonizing, debilitating, and unremitting pain post-operatively following overhead arm placement
– ETT dislodgement - Extubation
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Trendelenberg – Reverse Trendelenberg
Surgical PositioningTrendelenburg
Surgical PositioningTrendelenburg
• Cardiac– Activation of baroreceptors– Decrease in C.O., PVR, HR, and BP– Does not improve C.O. in hypotension & hypovolemia
• Respiratory– Decreased FRC, total lung capacity and pulmonary
compliance secondary to shift of abdominal viscera– Increased V/Q mismatching– Atlectasis– Increased likelihood of regurgitation
• Use of shoulder braces to prevent cephalad mvmt
Surgical PositioningReverse Trendelenburg
Surgical PositioningReverse Trendelenburg
• Cardiac– Decrease in c.o., preload, and arterial
pressure– Baroreflexes increase sympathetic
tone, HR , PVR.• Respiratory
– Work of breathing decreased– Increase in FRC
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
• Usually positioned with bean bag or position supports.
• Head must be aligned to support the spinal column and prevent compression of dependent arm.
• Pillows placed between legs and feet• Bottom leg flexed to provide stability and
facilitate venous drainage.• Peroneal nerve susceptible to injury
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
• Presents anesthetic challenges- – Compression of vena cava with kidney rest– Dependent lung is underventilated-pressure of
abdominal contents and wt of mediastinum.– Nondependent lung is overventilated because
of increased compliance.– Blood flows to underventilated lung by gravity.– V/Q mismatch may manifest as hypoxemia
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
• Kidney rest- beneath the bony iliac crest, not under fleshy waist area
• Axillary rolls- placed at scapula near the axillary space to relieve pressure on the arm and foster adequate chest excursion.
• Dependent shoulder, axilla, and deltoid must be padded.• Lower arm brought forward to prevent pressure on
brachial plexus. • Chest surgery- upper arm flexed at elbow and raised
above head to elevate scaplua and widen intercostal spaces.
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
Surgical PositioningLateral Decubitus
• Cardiac – Output unchanged unless venous return
obstructed (kidney rest).– May see decrease in arterial blood pressure as a
result of decreased vascular resistance (R > L).
• Respiratory– Decreased volume and increased perfusion of
dependant lung, V/Q mismatch potential
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Sitting – Beach Chair
Surgical PositioningSitting
Surgical PositioningSitting
• Cardiac– Pooling blood in lower body decreases central blood
volume.– ABP fall despite increase in HR & SVR. (30%)– C.O. decreases 20-40%– Increase in sympathetic /parasympathetic tone– Intrathoracic blood volume decreases as much as 500 ml
• Respiratory– Lung volumes are increased.– FRC is increased.– Work of breathing is decreased.
Surgical PositioningSitting
• Posterior Foss Craniotomy & shoulder procedures.
• Full sitting position is uncommon.• Lounge chair, beach chair.• Facilitates venous drainage.• Venous air embolism risk is potential hazard
Surgical PositioningSitting
Surgical PositioningSitting
• Complications– Postural hypotension– Air emboli
• Potentially lethal• Chances increase with degree of elevation of op site.• Dx: change in heart rate, murmur, decreased in exp
CO2, cardiac dysrythmias, change in heart sounds generated by a parasternal Dopppler.
• TEE most sensitive for detection (0.015 ml/kg/air)• Gasp breath may be first indicator• Decreased Pa02, etCO2, increased etN
Surgical PositioningSitting
Surgical PositioningSitting
• Complications– Ocular compression– Pneumocephalus– Edema of face, head, and neck due to
prolonged neck flexion resulting in venous and lymphatic obstruction.
– Sciatic nerve injury• Bended knees without flexion of the hips• Foot drop is clinical manifestation
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Lithotomy
Surgical PositioningLithotomy
Surgical PositioningLithotomy
• Cephalad displacement of the diaphragm.• Principle hazards:
– Common peroneal- foot drop– Femoral- decreased or absent knee jerk– Saphenous-– Obturator-inability to adduct leg & diminished
sensation over medial side of the thigh– Sciatic nerve- weakness of all skeletal muscles
below the knee• Both legs should be elevated & flexed at same time to
avoid stretching of peripheral nerves• Thighs should be no more than 90o
AANA Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia
PracticeStandard V
AANA Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia
PracticeStandard V
Nurse anesthetists should “monitor and assess patient positioning and protective
measures at frequent intervals.”
Failure to follow professional standards and guidelines may result in
positioning injuries and liability.
Pommier vs Savoy Memorial Hospital55 y.o female w/fractured hip
2hr 20 min surgery
Developed peroneal palsy post-op
LIABILITY EXAMPLES
Protective and monitoring measures were not taken nor documented. No prior injury present. Conclusion at trial – injury would not have occurred had there not been negligence – res ipsa loquitur.
Shahine vs. Louisiana State University Medical Center,
680 So. 2d 1352 (La. App., 1996)• "#6 table with safety strap in place 2" above knees -
supine with bean bag underneath patient post induction & catheter insertion into the left side, with right side up, per __M.D. & __M.D, - auxiliary roll in place (1000cc bag IV fluid wrapped in muslin cover) - held in place per surgeons until bean bag deflated with suction - pillow placed under right leg with left leg bent slightly - U drape in place per surgeons pre prep - left arm extended on padded arm board - right arm placed on mayo tray that is padded."
Protective and monitoring measures were taken and documented. Brachial plexus injury reported postop. No prior injury present. Conclusion at trial – injury was a risk of the procedure however personnel took precautions according to standards and were not negligent.
ASA Practice Advisory – Sets a legal standard of careLINK to Advisory in the Course Outline Page
Upper extremity positioningUpper extremity positioning• Arm abduction should be limited to 90° in supine
patients; patients who are positioned prone may tolerate arm abduction greater than 90°
• Arms should be positioned to decrease pressure on the postcondylar groove of the humerus (ulnar groove).
• When arms are tucked at the side, a neutral forearm position is recommended. When arms are abducted on armboards, either supination or a neutral forearm position is acceptable
• Prolonged pressure on the radial nerve in the spiral groove of the humerus should be avoided
• Extension of the elbow beyond a comfortable range may stretch the median nerve
Lower extremity positioning
• Lithotomy positions that stretch the hamstring muscle group beyond a comfortable range may stretch the sciatic nerve
• Prolonged pressure on the peroneal nerve at the fibular head should be avoided
• Neither extension nor flexion of the hip within normal range of motion increases the risk of femoral neuropathy
Protective padding• Padded armboards may decrease the risk of upper
extremity neuropathy• The use of chest rolls in laterally positioned
patients may decrease the risk of upper extremity neuropathies
• Padding at the elbow and at the fibular head may decrease the risk of upper and lower extremity neuropathies, respectively
Equipment• Properly functioning automated blood pressure
cuffs on the upper arms do not affect the risk of upper extremity neuropathies
• Shoulder braces in steep head-down positions may increase the risk of brachial plexus neuropathies
Postoperative assessment• A simple postoperative assessment of
extremity nerve function may lead to early recognition of peripheral neuropathies
Documentation• Charting specific positioning actions during the
care of patients may result in improvements of care by (1) helping practitioners focus attention on relevant aspects of patient positioning; (2) providing information that continuous improvement processes can use to lead to refinements in patient care; and (3) provide medicolegal defense
Positioning ChecklistPositioning Checklist
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
Positioning Checklist
1. Head, neck and cervical spine supported in a straight line.
2. Scalp, head, and face protected from tight anesthesia mask/straps.
3. Ears protected from traumatic pressure/objects.4. Chest and torso kept in physiological position for
adequate full, bilateral respiratory exchange and expansion.
5. Breasts & genitalia protected from excessive pressure.
6. Arms in physiological position and supported.- not to exceed 90 degree extension at shoulder- in flexion not hyperextension- upper arm not hanging over edge of table or rubbing on metal part of table- elbow area protected from ulnar pressure- hands free of pressure and compression- fingers in slight flexion or neutral extension- wrist restraints loose or padded- palms up on armboard- palms towards body when arms at side
Positioning Checklist
7. Genitals free of trauma, pressure, or rubbing.8. Back in physiological position, spine in straight line
- slight sacral curvature- soft small positioning devices under sacral area
and knees to relieve pressure, pain, or stretching.9. Thighs/legs in straight line of flexed position; no pressure
to iliac crests, greater trochanters, area bt back & knees, peroneal nerve on lateral aspects of knees, or to patellas.
10.Heels/ankles/toes free of pressure or rubbing trauma.11.Safety belt placed snugly over patient w/blanket or towel
between strap and patient’s body to prevent maceration.12.Other straps or positioning devices placed only over
padded body parts.
Surgical PositioningSurgical Positioning
During clinical this semester – spend time after cases learning the operation of the OR table and proper positioning. Practice on each other to appreciate “positioning” from patient’s perspective.