Applicaion of modified lateral position in thoracic surgery

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of modified lateral position in thoracic surgery.Methods A total of 80 patients undergoing thoracic surgery were randomly divided into study group ( n =40 ) and control group ( n =40 ).The study group received modified lateral position,while the control group received traditional lateral position.The changes in inferior lower limb venous pressure and incidences of postoperative complications associated with the position including brachial plexus injury and skin pressure sores were obsrred in the two groups.Results The inferior lower limb venous pressure and the incidence rates of postoperative brachial plexus injury and skin pressure sores were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group.Conclusions Modified lateral position in thoracic surgery can effectively decrease discomfort and rate of complications by body position.It can ensure safety of surgery. Key words: Lateral position; Lower limb venous pressure; Brachial plexus injury; Skin pressure sores;