Importance of the choice of posture in brain surgery

The posture of the neurosurgical patient depends first on the approach and working position of the surgeon, and the spatial orientation during surgery. Venous outflow is probably the major factor for optimal brain retraction and for preventing venous haemorrhage. No one of the postures presently in use is fully free from the risk of air embolism. Respiratory and cardiac diseases are often limiting factors for the choice of a posture. Thoracic and abdominal compression must be cautiously avoided. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.