A tilt at fame

“Tilt your head back and laugh at the the sky…”

Buddha

Apart from adjusting the lights, one to the most crucial tasks of an anaesthetist in the operating theatre is to tilt the table. This is often not as straightforward as it may seem. Modern operating tables are complex, so it almost inevitable that the first movements will be in the wrong direction. Perhaps surgeons can help by being clearer in our instructions and terminology. Frederick Trendelenberg was a German born 19th century surgeon. He actually studied medicine at Edinburgh and Glasgow, eventually becoming Chief of Surgery at Leipzig University. Like me, Trendelenberg was fascinated by the history of surgery and founded the German Surgical Society. He also liked to name things. The Trendelenberg test -an assessment saphenofemoral valve competence. TheTrendelenberg cannula -a device to remove blood from the larynx during surgery. The Trendelenberg gait -a manner of walking indicative of hip abductor weakness. The Trendelenberg operation -ligation of the great saphenous vein, or later pulmonary embolectomy.. The Trendelenberg position -lowering the head of the operating table to treat hypotension or facilitate pelvic surgery. Finally, the most important one. The reverse Trendelenberg position – raising the head to facilitate head and neck surgery. #thirdtimeisthecharm #letsmakelmonade