LATERAL POSITION FOR INTRACRANIAL SURGERY

The lateral posture (Park Bench) is now widely used. It provides a com fortable position for the surgeon and a convenient brain relaxation. H owever the positioning is complex and carries a risk of stretching of the brachial plexus. Spatial orientation is more difficult and require s surgical experience. The lateral position does not modify the haemod ynamic and respiratory function in healthy patients. In the opposite, various cardiac or respiratory effects of rig ht or left lateral posit ion can occur in patients with cardiac and/or respiratory pathology. ( C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.