ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Positioning of the obese patient for surgery has important implications for safety, both of the patient and the operating room staff. It also has physiologic implications as cardiac and pulmonary function can be further compromised. Part of the care plan of the obese surgical patient should include a discussion amongst team members (anesthesia, nursing, surgery) regarding the patient’s position for the surgery. Ideally, this position would offer a balance between adequate surgical exposure and hemodynamic stability. Whenever possible, it is best for both patients and operating room staff to allow and encourage patients to move and position themselves.
