How patients are positioned matters as much as the skills of the surgeon in the operating room. Wrong or lack of positioning might result in serious health problems such as pressure injuries, nerve damage and issues with circulation. Here, surgical gel pads are very useful, making sure the patient remains comfortable and protected during any of these surgical positions – lithotomy, supine or lateral.

The underlying safety: Supine Position Gel Pads

The most commonly used surgical position is having the patient lie flat on their back. It may look easy, but it is still risky. Pressure applied over a long time to the occiput (head), spine, sacrum, elbows and heels may result in serious sores or nerve compression.

Supine gel pads help spread out a patient’s weight and minimise pressure build-up while they stay in the supine position. Targeted pads made of medical silicone usually conform to the patient’s shape, so weight and pressure are evenly distributed over bony areas. Supine position gel pads have many helpful effects, including:

• Pressure ulcers are prevented because they distribute pressure evenly over the body.
• They help protect sensitive nerves, for instance, the ulnar nerve at the elbow joint and the peroneal nerve in the fibular head.
• Gel has special properties that support the body well and cushion the person during long hours.

Patients benefit from better stability on the operating table because it’s difficult for them to shift their position with a non-slip surface.

Helping Feelings: Lithotomy Position Gel Pads

For gynecological, urological and colorectal surgeries, doctors prefer that the patient lie on their back with legs in stirrups and flexed. Even so, this type of kneeling repeatedly stresses certain parts.

Gel pads used in lithotomy position are deliberately created to address these problems. These pads are designed to reinforce support for the heels, calves and sacrum, keeping such parts of the body safe from pressure sores and nerve damage (in particular, common peroneal nerve issues). Advantages of using lithotomy position gel pads are:

Designed to Release Pressure: They embrace the back of the ankle, supporting the heels and preventing direct touching of the Achilles tendon and fibular head.

Effective treatment keeps these nerves safe from pressure or stretching.

They keep a patient’s legs steady in the stirrups, so the doctor is always able to work in a stable position.

Through less pressure in the area, they can help improve the circulation to your lower legs and feet.

These beds are made with Lateral Positioner and Lateral Position Gel Pads

For procedures on the thorax, kidney, hip or retroperitoneal space, doctors put the patient in the lateral position. It is important to make sure the body lines up correctly and to give a lot of aid, mainly to prevent problems on the dependent side.

Lateral positioners and lateral position gel pads are useful when placed together. A lateral positioner is simply a device used to help secure someone lying sideways and avoid them turning. Usually, the position has axillary rolls for brachial plexus protection and cushions or pillows for the hips and knees.

Alongside the positioner, rectangular gel pads are added to the lower part of the bed on the side where you lie to protect your body’s sensitive places.

• Avoiding pressure on the ear and eye area by resting the body on the back.
• Acromion Process and Shoulder: Help to protect and support both the shoulder joint and the nerves there.
• Both the Iliac Crest and Greater Trochanter are meant to protect the hip bone.

The components lateral knee and malleolus help guard against damage to the knee and ankle.

There are many great benefits to using a lateral positioner together with lateral position gel pads.

Good pressure distribution: Allows each part of the bedding to bear the load symmetrically and reduces areas of high pressure.It’s very important to protect nerves such as the brachial plexus, peroneal nerve and others, to prevent injury on the dependent side.Helps maintain your spine in a balanced position which lessens strain.Stability is improved by the positioner’s hold of the patient and by the smooth pads which avoid small movements and protect the patient.

For all surgical procedures, including the standard lying flat and the more advanced lithotomy and lateral positions, top quality gel pads and specialised lateral positioners are essential. They help protect patients, prevent risks and contribute to good results in surgery. Proper positioning equipment plays a big role in ensuring patient safety and good treatment outcomes.