Adds Dr. Mini: "The
restriction on ventilat-
ing the patient when
the chest straps were
in place bothered
anesthesia, especially
in our larger patients.
This was why other
methods of supporting
the patient on the
operative tables
arose."
6. Experience it
for yourself.
Dr. Brueseke believes that many surgeons underap-
preciate the physiological changes that the patient experiences from
being in Trendelenburg for extended procedures. Years ago, Dr. Mini
found out for herself. She put herself into steep Trendelenburg while
awake. "And 25 degrees Trendelenburg is pretty steep. You have blood
rushing to your head. It gives you a perspective on why Trendelenburg
worries people," she says. "You just assume that the patient is asleep,
what's the big deal? But no, you feel what's happening to their physiolo-
gy when you're awake and in that extreme Trendelenburg."
OSM
A P R I L 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 5 7
• A PROPER TUCK When tucking the patient's arms, make sure the fingers aren't
in a position to be pinched by the stirrup attachments.
Brent
Klev,
MBA,
MSN,
RN
