P06.05 The Sitting Position in the Very Young Pediatric Population: Pearls and Pitfalls of a 10-Years’ Experience

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND To investigate pearls and pitfalls of the sitting positioning in the pediatric population with special focus on related morbidity and surgical practicability. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained internal database was performed. All pediatric patients younger than 18 years at date of surgery, who underwent procedures in sitting position between 01/2010 and 10/2020 were included into this analysis. RESULTS A total of 42 of posterior fossa surgeries were performed in 38 children between 01/2010 and 10/2020. Mean age at surgery was 8.9 years (13 months - 18 years). Mean height and weight were 134.4 (± 30.2) cm and 36.6 (± 21.7) kg respectively. Three children (7.9%) were diagnosed with persistent foramen ovale. Electrophysiologic monitoring was unremarkable during positioning in all cases. Mean time needed for anesthesiologic preparation and positioning was 84.5 (± 20.6) minutes. Perioperative blood transfusion was needed in 5 cases (11.9%). Incidence of VAE was 11.9%. There was no VAE related severe complication. One child (2.4%) showed postoperative skull fracture and epidural bleeding due to skull clamp application. Clinical status immediately after surgery was favorable or stable in 33 of the cases (78.6%). CONCLUSION Attentive performance and an experienced surgical team provided; the sitting position remains a safe variant for posterior fossa surgery in the pediatric population. Precautious skull clamp application and appropriate monitoring is highly recommended. Considering eloquent aspects, the sitting position offers excellent anatomical exposure and is ideal for combination with endoscopic techniques.