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The Lateral Sitting Position for Neurosurgery

FRANCISCO GARCIA-BENGOCHEA, MD^*, EDWIN S. MUNSON, MD, and JAMES V. FREEMAN, MD

*Professor of Neurological Surgery. Division of Neurological Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Anesthesiology, University of Florida Health Center, Gainesville, Florida 32610. Professor of Anesthesiology. Division of Neurological Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Anesthesiology, University of Florida Health Center, Gainesville, Florida 32610. Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery. Division of Neurological Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Anesthesiology, University of Florida Health Center, Gainesville, Florida 32610.

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, more than 300 patients have been anesthetized in the lateral sitting position during neurosurgical procedures in the posterior fossa and the cervical and upper thoracic spine. Since the patient can be placed quickly and easily in the horizontal position, the lateral sitting position has a number of advantages over the conventional sitting position, particularly in the treatment of arterial hypotension and venous air embolism. Furthermore, with the patient in the lateral horizontal position, the surgical procedure can be completed satisfactorily.