Question:
What is this about tilting the operating table?
I have heard that if the surgeon "tilts" the operating table head up slightly during the latter stages of the operation, it greatly reduces pain accompanying the procedure. Is there any truth to this? — Tom H. (posted on May 10, 2002)
May 10, 2002
I don't know if that's true or not, but would love to find out! During
both of my c-sections they tipped my head down, which I found to be very
unnerving. The anesthisiologist<sic> said that this was to reduce
the risk of clotting during the surgery.
— [Deactivated Member]
May 10, 2002
Hello - my husband is a surgical technologist in surgery (hands instruments
and assists) for 13 years now. He has only heard of the patient's head
being raised to help with breathing but has not heard of tilting the table
to decrease pain afterwards. Ask your doctor his procedures to find out if
there is any truth to this. Maybe it's a matter of each facility/surgeon
doing their own technique? Good luck to you!
— KristyKatt
May 10, 2002
The reason that they tilt the table during the end of your surgery is to
test for leaks..I had a LAP done Tuesday and my Dr told me that before he
closes he fills the stomach cavity up with water and puts a air tube down
your throat.They gently close of the other end ( intestines) and tilt you
back wards to make sure that no air bubbles or leaks are accuring..then
once the water is drained out most of the gas goes along with it...I had NO
gas pains what so ever.My Dr also explained that he feels putting someone
through all of the trouble of having them drink that yucckky stuff during a
leak test with the upper GI is just too tramatic on your body so thats why
he does it this way. The tilt way is more acurate cause if a leak IS found
then it can be fixed right on the spot and not days later..Believe we its
the way to go as long as the gas is gone AND no drinking that stuff..PLUS
you dont even know its happening;-)
— Tina S B.
May 10, 2002
Hi-- when I was in medical school, I got to see a bunch of laparoscopic
abdominal surgeries. Besides the sort of leak test that Tina Bostwick
describes, I've seen surgeons ask for the table to be tilted so that it's
easier to visualize the organ(s) they're working on. Since gas is blown
into the abdominal cavity during lap (for the same reason), and since the
reabsorption of that gas can be a major cause of post-op pain, that might
be what your surgeon meant as a pain-reducing maneuver.
— Sarah B.
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