Use of anti-skid material and patient-positioning to prevent patient shifting during robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures

Abstract

Study objective: To estimate patient shifting with the current practice of use of an antiskid material and patient positioning during robotic procedures in gynecology.

Design: Pilot observational study (Canadian Task Force classification).

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: Twenty-two women undergoing robotic-assisted gynecologic procedures.

Intervention: Antiskid material (egg-crate pink foam) was placed beneath patients and patient positioning was used during robotic-assisted procedures.

Measurements and main results: Patient position was marked before and after surgery. Measurements of shift distance before and after surgery were determined for each patient. Median (range) shift distance was 1.3 (0-7.5) cm. There was no significant association between shift in position and either body mass index or duration of the Trendelenburg position. No shoulder neuropathic injuries were observed during the study.

Conclusion: Minimal patient shifting is observed with the use of an antiskid material and patient positioning described, without the use of shoulder braces and straps.