Master the Move: Understanding Lithotomy Position Gel Pads, Supine Position Gel Pads, Lateral Positioner, and Lateral Position Gel Pads

In the operating room, patients are placed in specific positions tailored to the surgery being performed. While necessary, these positions—like the supine, lateral, and lithotomy—can expose patients to a significant risk of pressure injury, nerve damage, and discomfort due to prolonged immobility on a hard surface. The solution lies in specialized, high-tech support devices, particularly various types of gel pads and positioners designed to distribute weight and protect vulnerable pressure points.

Essential Support for the Most Common Surgical Positions

Every patient positioning scenario requires careful attention to anatomical alignment and pressure management.

Supine Position Safety

• Supine Position Gel Pads: The supine position (lying flat on one's back) is the most common surgical stance. Even this seemingly simple position requires protection, as the heels, elbows, occiput (back of the head), and sacrum are highly susceptible to pressure ulcers. Supine position gel pads are used to cushion these bony prominences. These pads, made of medical-grade viscoelastic gel, mold to the body’s contours, effectively reducing the pressure per square inch and mitigating the risk of tissue ischemia (lack of blood flow) that leads to injury.

Navigating Complex and Side-Lying Positions

When surgery requires the patient to be placed on their side, specialized devices are needed to maintain stability and prevent nerve compression.

Securing the Patient in a Lateral Stance

• Lateral Positioner: A lateral positioner is a piece of equipment used to safely and securely hold the patient on their side (the lateral position). This is common for chest, kidney, and hip surgeries. The positioner uses soft, rigid supports to stabilize the torso, hips, and sometimes the arms. It is crucial because it ensures the patient remains stable throughout the surgery, preventing accidental movement that could endanger the patient or compromise the procedure.

• Lateral Position Gel Pads: Used in conjunction with the lateral positioner, lateral position gel pads are placed between the patient and the hard supports. They are strategically used under the downward-facing shoulder, hip, and ankle. These pads are designed to distribute the weight of the entire body that is now resting on one side. By protecting the dependent limbs and ensuring that no bony prominence bears excessive weight, the pads prevent nerve injuries—such as brachial plexus or peroneal nerve damage—which can cause long-term deficits.

Dedicated Protection for Lower Extremity Procedures

The lithotomy position—with the patient's legs raised—presents unique challenges for nerve protection.

Lithotomy Position Comfort and Safety

• Lithotomy Position Gel Pads: The lithotomy position is essential for procedures like colonoscopies, urological, and gynecological surgeries. In this position, the patient's legs are supported by stirrups or leg holders. Lithotomy position gel pads are molded specifically to line these supports, cushioning the patient’s heels, calves, and ankles. Their primary role is to relieve pressure on the peroneal nerve (near the knee) and prevent skin breakdown on the heels, which are under intense strain when the leg is elevated and supported.

Advanced Care for Better Outcomes

The strategic use of supine position gel pads, lateral position gel pads, and the stability provided by a lateral positioner ensures that patient safety is upheld in every surgical scenario. This meticulous attention to positioning is a vital element of modern, high-quality patient care, leading to safer surgeries and smoother recoveries.