Operating table
Operating table height
Neither the success nor the complication of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in lateral decubitus position during residents' training is affected by the operating table height. However, paresthesia was more likely to occur on the left side when a stiff catheter was inserted into the epidural space. It may be better to keep the table height at the residents' lowest rib margin. It was not just preferred by most residents but also better for their training in performing epidural anesthesia 1).
a study suggests that the use of a microscope and a table height above the umbilicus are optimal for reducing surgeon musculoskeletal fatigue. 2).
a study suggests that loupe use and a table height midpoint between the umbilicus and sternum are optimal for reducing surgeon musculoskeletal fatigue. 3).
3: Lee ST, Chen JF. Closed reduction vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Technical note. J Neurosurg. 2004 Apr;100(4 Suppl Spine):392-6. doi: 10.3171/spi.2004.100.4.0392. PMID: 15070152.
4: Montgomery DM, Fischgrund JS. Passive reduction of spondylolisthesis on the operating room table: a prospective study. J Spinal Disord. 1994 Apr;7(2):167-72. doi: 10.1097/00002517-199407020-00011. PMID: 8003835.