Operations, especially those that may be long and complicated or when specially sensitive areas are involved, are always complicated for the surgical team as well as for the patient. Lastly, the major concern with regard to the surgical procedure is to avoid complications involving pressure points, friction and positioning of the patient. It is here that gel pads are most useful, particularly in the prevention of the formation of pressure ulcers, nerve injuries and musculoskeletal injuries. These pads have been developed to reduce pressure on the body and equally create a correct positioning of the body.
The Importance of Proper Positioning in Surgery
In surgery, patients are often placed in positions on an OT table, an operating table that corresponds to their procedures. This is the reason right positioning and correct support, irrespective of whether the patient is on their back, side or in a prone position, is extremely important to prevent excessive pressure on certain parts of the body which are sensitive to this complaint. There are other issues with insufficient padding and support, clients being at high risk of pressure ulcer formation, nerve compression, joint damage among others. Usually patients should remain in the correct position throughout the operation, which is the responsibility of the surgical teams.
This is where positioning gel pads for the OT table are of help. These gel pads are normally made of high density material so that body pressure is distributed with considerable reduction in skin breakdown and tissue injury. Gel pads have a low profile that facilitates them to lie well on the body surface and can therefore support patients, particularly during long surgical procedures.
Gel Pads for Prone Positioning
Probably one of the most difficult patient positions specifically during surgery is the prone position where the patient is lying face down on their stomach. This position is most commonly called for in spinal, neurosurgical, or orthopedic surgeries. But placing the patient in the prone position may put a lot of pressure on the face, chest, abdomen and the extremities. To prevent such things as facial pressure ulcers or nerve damage in the face.
A prone head rest is meant to provide support for the head and neck of the patient in cases where they are positioned in a prone position. It avoids the rotation of the head in any direction beyond the normal range and decreases the pressure on the tissues of the face to make certain that the air passage is not blocked. In combination with gel pads, the prone head rest has an extra layer of padding to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers around the face or over the chest or hip areas. Most surgical operations require the patient to be positioned in a manner that they will not be harmed; this is why both gel pads and prone head rest are applied.
Advantages of Using Gel Pads in a Surgery
Gel pads are now used frequently in many present day surgical procedures because of the advantages associated with them. They not only protect patients from harm during operations, but also help to increase the measures’ success by increasing patient’s comfort and stability.
Some of the advantages include:
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Pressure Distribution: Redistribution of this weight on gel pads minimized direct force on pressure areas of the patient’s body like bones and/ soft tissues.
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Comfort: In this way gel pads reduce discomfort for patients, especially where application may be most sensitive.
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Reduced Risk of Skin Damage: They help avoid development of pressure ulcers that are usual with immobile patients especially during long surgeries.
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Enhanced Surgical Outcomes: Better positioning allows the surgical team to centre their attention on the surgery operation and not be bothered by the patient’s positioning.
Conclusion
Overall, the use of gel pads is a very important aspect when it comes to the protection of health of patients during surgery. Because of correct positioning of Ot table positioning gel pads and possible use of the prone head rests these pads are effective in preventing pressure injuries and apply towards the better surgical result. Yet, in today’s surgical procedures, the role of these indicators cannot be overemphasized as they reduce surgical risks, and promote patients’ outcomes.
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https://www.lenvitz.com/prone-head-rest-gel/
https://www.lenvitz.com/comman-gel-pads/