Trendelenburg position
Pronunciation: TREN-del-en-burg
A surgical positioning technique where the patient lies supine with the pelvis elevated higher than the head to improve visualization of pelvic organs.
Full Definition
The Trendelenburg position involves placing the patient supine on the operating table with the head lowered and the pelvis elevated at an angle of 15-30 degrees. In laparoscopic surgery, this positioning uses gravity to displace the small bowel and omentum cephalad (toward the head), providing improved visualization of pelvic structures such as the uterus, ovaries, and rectovesical pouch. While beneficial for surgical exposure, this position can cause physiological changes including increased intracranial pressure and altered cardiovascular dynamics, requiring careful monitoring and positioning limits.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when referring to the specific surgical position named after Friedrich Trendelenburg.
In Context
- "The patient was placed in steep Trendelenburg position to optimize visualization during the hysterectomy." — Operative report
- "Prolonged Trendelenburg positioning required frequent monitoring of airway pressures." — Anesthesia record