Positioning

Lateral Decubitus

This position is most often used for procedures requiring access to the thorax, retroperitoneal structures, hip or shoulder. Flexion of dependent leg and hip helps keep alignment and stabilizes pt.

Lithotomy

This position is used for procedures requiring access to any perineal structure, such as gynecological, rectal, and urologic surgeries.

Prone

This position is used for a variety of spine procedures, posterior fossa access, procedures of the buttocks and perirectal area as well as the lower extremities.

Reverse Trendelenburg

This position is used to facilitate upper abdominal surgery with displacement of abdominal content caudal.

Sitting/Beach chair

This position may be used for posterior fossa and cervical spine procedures as it provides excellent surgical exposure, facilitates drainage of blood and cerebral spinal fluid, as well as decreases blood in the field.

Supine

This is the most common position for surgery, but there are many associated variations such as Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg or a variation of chair positions.

Trendelenburg

The head down Trendelenburg position is used to improve exposure in abdominal and laparoscopic surgeries, robotic surgeries, during central line placement, and as an option to help treat hypotension.