Prone Positioning Under General Anaesthesia: Complications and Solutions

Dr. Malireddy Chetan Reddy, Dr. Arti Yadav, Dr. Syed Saif Ahmad

Abstract: Prone positioning under general anesthesia (GA) is an essential technique widely used in various surgical procedures, particularly spinal, neurosurgical, and posterior thoracic interventions. Despite its advantages in surgical exposure and anatomical access, the prone position is associated with a myriad of complications, including ocular injuries, pressure-related neuropathies, cardiovascular instability, and pulmonary compromise. This paper aims to explore these complications comprehensively and propose evidence-based strategies for prevention and management. Through a prospective observational analysis involving 250 surgical cases over 18 months, we investigated the incidence of complications and assessed the effectiveness of preventive interventions. Results indicated that adherence to positioning protocols, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative evaluation significantly reduced complication rates. The discussion highlights practical solutions and guidelines for clinical application to enhance patient safety during prone procedures.

Keywords: Prone position, general anesthesia, complications, positioning injuries, patient safety, perioperative care