6 4 S U P P L E M E N T T O 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 1 6
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PRONE POSITION In the prone position, you must consider the patient's body
from head to toe. You want the patient lying face down in the prone holder, but
slightly elevated (or tilted to the left or right) so that the anesthetist can main-
tain the airway. To keep patients well oxygenated, make sure the chest is well
supported so they can get good ventilation if under general anesthesia or they
can breathe normally if under monitored sedation. Gel chest rolls or rolled
blankets offer good chest support. You should also pad the knees. Finally, take
care not to squish women's breasts or compress men's genitals.
