Respiratory effects of prolonged trendelenburg position

Abstract

Summary: Twenty-six patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery were given epidural analgesia and light general anaesthesia, and operated upon either in the horizontal, head-down or lithotomy position. Minute volumes were recorded during the operations, and capillary blood-gas data obtained before, during and after the procedures. No significant effect of posture on respiration was detected. © 1968 John Sherratt and Son Ltd.