Intraoperative pressure sore prevention.

It was once believed that pressure sores were a ward based, nursing problem. However, operating tables are relatively hard and the anaesthetised patient is at particular risk for a number of reasons with the overall incidence of pressure sore formation during operation identified at 12%. Unfortunately in the past very few pressure relieving devices have been available for use in this particular area. The main problems encountered by patients whilst in the operating theatre arise because of the pressures between the patient and the operating table, mainly because of the patient's own weight but also that exerted by the surgeon. A limited number of studies have been carried out on the incidence of theatre induced pressure sores. Others have focused on actual pressures created by operating tables and the factors which may influence an increase in those pressures. Some authors have also researched the effectiveness of a number of pressure relieving devices specifically designed for use in the operating theatre.