P
utting patients in steep Trendelenburg is
arguably one of the most challenging position-
ing tasks your OR staff faces. With the num-
ber of robotic urologic and gynecological pro-
cedures on the rise, the steep version of this
position will be more frequently used moving forward. To
prevent all-too-common issues such as skin tears, pressure
injuries and other complications associated with this gravity-
defying, slide-inducing position, let's look at everything that
goes into keeping the patient as safe as possible every time
you tilt them head down.
6 6 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A U G U S T 2 0 2 0
Emma Greene, BSN, RN, CNOR | Atlanta
Understand all
of the risk factors
The risks associated with the Trendelen-
burg position increase the steeper patients
are angled and the longer they remain in
the position. If a procedure is taking longer
than three hours, consider flattening the
patient out for a few minutes to give their
body a break from the physical stressors
of the position.
Gravity increases intraocular and
Safe and Standardized Trendelenburg Positioning
Avoid skin tears, pressure injuries and other complications
by paying extra attention to common problem areas.
FULL TILT A test run in the Trendelenburg position is a good way to easily spot positioning problems that could affect the patient during the surgery.