Published in:
01-08-2016 | Original Article
The Effect of Patient Positioning on Amount of Intraoperative Bleeding in Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | Issue 4/2016
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Background
There is a rich blood flow to the mucosa in the nasal region. In rhinoplasty, surgical procedures are performed in a narrow and confined space. So bleeding during surgery reduces visibility which can complicate the procedure. This study investigated the effects of the patient position on amount of intraoperative bleeding during surgical procedures.
Patients and Methods
This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 71 patients who underwent elective rhinoplasty. The patients were operated on in three groups. Group 1 consisted of 23 patients who were operated on in the supine position; Group 2 included 28 patients who were operated on using a 15° angle reverse Trendelenburg position; Group 3 consisted of 20 patients who were operated on at a 20° angle reverse Trendelenburg position.
Results
There were statistically significant differences between the groups in regard to surgeon satisfaction and the amount of intraoperative bleeding. The amount of intraoperative bleeding in Group 1 was significantly higher than those of Groups 2 and 3, and surgeon satisfaction was lower.
Conclusions
Reverse Trendelenburg position reduces intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty patients while facilitating the procedure compared to the supine position. Surgery at a 15° angle reverse Trendelenburg position provides the optimum working conditions by both significantly reducing intraoperative bleeding and allowing for comfortable conditions for the surgeon.
Level of Evidence I
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