Prone Position in Surgery
The prone position can be helpful in some surgical procedures in which the doctors need access to the back of the body. Common cases include buttock surgery, rectal surgery, spinal surgery, brainstem or brain surgery, as well as surgery on the back of the legs or arms. The doctor will help you lay on the stomach carefully and slowly when you need to be in this position for a surgical procedure. In general, you will be given anesthesia first to reduce pain and discomfort and then attached to any medical equipment, IVs, or monitors necessary for the surgery before being place in a prone position. To reduce the risk of injury to the pelvic area, breasts, and face, supportive cushioning might be used. [6]
