The prone position is employed for minor or major procedures on the dorsal aspect of the body. The more major procedures tend to be prolonged and may be associated with swelling of dependent areas, as well as prolonged pressure on certain pressure points. These possible complications must be adequately addressed with families during the preoperative visit in order to appropriately manage expectations when they see their loved ones in the immediate postoperative phase, especially after a long surgery. In order to prevent complications, proper padding and protection of dependent areas should be performed. This chapter considers the logistic challenges of turning a small patient into the prone position, explores potential complications unique to prone positioning, lists strategies to avoid position-related injuries, and discusses cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prone position.
