Korean J Anesthesiol.  2008 Mar;54(3):353-355. 10.4097/kjae.2008.54.3.353.

Vital Sign Change after Placement in the Prone Position in an Obese Patient: A case report

• Kim HJ
• Kim NW
• Kim DW
• Shim JC
• Suh JK
• Yi HJ

• KMID: 2239827
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2008.54.3.353

Abstract

When performing spine surgery, placement of the patient in the prone position with longitudinal padding is most frequently utilized.However, hemodynamics could be compromised by compression of the internal organs, particularly if surgery is being conducted on an morbidly obese patient or on a patient with a soft frame.An increase in the intraabdominal and intrathoracic pressure might cause a perfusion defect of major venous return, a decrease in cardiac output and a defect in pulmonary ventilation and venous congestion within the spinal canal.Accordingly, serious alteration of vital signs or significant expected consequences can occur.We briefly report a case of life-threatening hemodynamic change after placement in the prone position of a morbidly obese patient during general anesthesia.Placing a risky patient on a semi-rigid, stable Wilson frame can be a promising alternative to avoid such intraoperative mishaps.

Keyword

obese; prone position; vital sign; Wilson frame

MeSH Terms

Cardiac Output
Hemodynamics
Humans
Hyperemia
Perfusion
Prone Position
Pulmonary Ventilation
Spine
Vital Signs