Patient positioning in anaesthesia

provide the best surgical access while minimizing potential risk to the patient. Each position carries some degree of risk and this is magnified in the anaesthetized patient who cannot make others aware of compromised positions. Commonly adopted positions include supine, lithotomy, Lloyd Davies, lateral, seated and prone. Many of these are modified with the addition of a vertical tilt (Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg). This article addresses the general complications associated with positioning as well as the position-specific physiological changes and complications.