In the operating room (OR) patient safety and comfort is paramount because some surgeries require patients to be in certain positions for many hours. Each OT table has positioning gel pads as important tools for reducing pressure ulcer development, nerve entrapment, and tissue injury on patients. Especially these gel pads which are made from high quality silicon are employed in surgeries to provide stabilization to a patient’s body, reduce pressure and aid in circulation of blood. In this article, we consider different kinds of the OT table positioning gel pads and their impacts on the patients.

1. Prone Position Gel Pads

Prone position gel pads are designed to facilitate the patients who need to lie flat on the face during surgery, with many spinal and few Neurosurgical procedures. These silicon gel pads are conformed to correctly position the patient’s chest, abdomen, and the lower limbs, and it constructively places and protects the fragile pressure aspects at the same time. Prone position gel pads take pressure off of other delicate areas such as the chest to avoid problems related to circulation or breathing. They are also simple to maintain and can seamlessly fit most OT table mat making them efficient in controlling hygiene and infection in surgical theater.

2. Lateral Position Gel Pads

The lateral position patients lie on their side, this position is mainly used in orthopedic and kidneys operations. It’s possible to set up lateral position gel pads to immobilize the patient with hips, shoulders and legs aligned laterally. These pads ensure they reduce impact on these areas that otherwise, may lead to some certain injuries as a result of pressure or nerve damage in the side-lying positions. Most used lateral gel pads also include other attachments like arm support and head rest just to make sure that the head and the limbs of the patient are well in place.

3. Supine Position Gel Pads

When in this position, the patient lies flat on their back, and this one remains frequently used in most surgeries. Gel pads designed for supine position support all of the body and resting on the heels, sacrum, and axillary area. Being manufactured from silicon gel pads provide a comfortable, cushioning surface that closely matches the contours of the patient thus eliminating pressure sore risks. Supine gel pads can be easily customized and used in connection with stand till OT table mats, best used for comfortable longer surgeries.

4. Lithotomy Position Gel Pads

Abdominal position in which the patients’ legs are raised and fixed is often used in gynecological and urological procedures. Lithotomy gel pads as their name implies are designed to fit the low back, buttocks and legs to give maximum support and comfort. These pads also provide a patient with stability during cushioning under pressure points and hence less muscle strain and nerve damage in lower limbs because of use of silicon gel. It can be illustrated that use of these pads can easily be placed on an OT table mat thereby providing the patient with a comfortable surface.

Conclusion

OT table positioning gel pads such as prone and lateral, lithotomy and head supports are basic requirements that positively contribute to patient safety, comfort as well as surgical outcomes. Combined with the possibility to be made from hygienically safe material such as silicon, the malleable design means that they fit the various surgical positions and procedures that are currently in operation theaters. For healthcare institutions that aim for the best outcomes of the patients, selecting high-quality OT table positioning gel pads is a way forward toward having the best and comfortable surgery experience.