F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 9
W
hen possible, why not let patients comfortably position
themselves before inducing general anesthesia? They'll be
better off, and so will the staff members who don't have to
lift and position patients who may weigh upwards of 250 pounds.
With shoulder surgeries, we administer the interscalene nerve block
in the OR with the patient sitting on the captain's chair or lying lateral-
ly on a bean bag. Since the patient is still awake, I can then ask and
make sure he is completely comfortable. Then, without moving the
patient, I induce general anesthesia with an LMA or an endotracheal
tube (depending on the anesthesiologist's preference).
This approach saves staff members from potential back and spine
injuries, and saves patients from the discomfort they often later feel in
other parts of their bodies as a result of their having been moved and
placed in an unnatural position.
Gil Samson, MD
Winthrop-University Hospital Ambulatory Surgery Center
Garden City, N.Y.
chpetepa@optononlline.com
• REDUCED RISK Patients who position themselves
are less likely to have pain after surgery.
Let Patients Comfortably Position Themselves
Sarah
Egan,
RN
