The hospitals in India are shifting towards safer and smoother surgeries using smarter patient positioning devices. The actual game-changer in this case is the lithotomy position gel pads and any other patient positioning gel pads that cushion the body during extended procedures. These silicon gel pads reduce pressure and injury, enabling doctors to work with greater steadiness and concentration.
What is the lithotomy posture, and why does that require gel pads?
The lithotomy position is prevalent during gynecology, urology, and colorectal surgeries. Legs in this posture are elevated and lifted; this action may cause pressure points on the thighs, calves, heels, and lower back unless cushioned well.
That is where lithotomy position gel pads come in—they evenly spread the pressure and provide a stable, nonslip base.
The benefits of patient positioning gel pads include enhanced safety
- Even pressure: Gel pads under the body distribute the patient’s weight over a larger surface. This will alleviate bedsores, skin injury, and numbness.
- Protection of nerve: Sensitive zones are padded to minimize nerve compression, thereby preventing the risk of developing complications such as tingling, weakness, and long-lasting pain after surgery.
- Surgery stability: Gel pads hold the patient in place to allow surgeons to operate with precision, even in extended surgery.
This is why silicon gel pads are superior
- Light but firm: Silicon gel pads provide comfortable cushioning but do not collapse effortlessly.
- They are easy to clean, which is important in the Indian OT setting, especially for turnover and hygiene.
- Durable: Silicon gel pads of excellent quality withstand the test of time and make a cost-effective investment in hospitals and surgery centers.
- Heel pad: the large impact support.
One of the most risky areas for pressure injuries during surgery is the heel.An Achilles tendon pad is a special pad that cushions the Achilles and heel bones by taking the pressure off them.
A heel pad is particularly useful with patients who have diabetes, elderly patients, or patients who have undergone long operations.
In what hospitals in India are these gel pads being used?
- Gynecology and obstetrics surgery.
- Surgery of the urethra, such as TURP or removal of stones.
- Colorectal surgeries
- General surgery includes supine and lithotomy procedures.
- Day-care facilities and specialty clinics are concerned about patient comfort and quick recovery.
Pads of gel are frequently used
- Gel pads are designed for the thigh and calf in the lithotomy position.
- Heel pad for heel protection
- Safe head rings / safe neck rings.
- Lower back, sacral, and back gel pads.
- Extra-wide flat gel pads provide multiple support functions.
Some benefits are important to Indian patients and hospitals
- Reduced postoperative pain and associated recovery time.
- There is a decrease in pressure ulcers and skin trauma.
- There has been a decrease in complications related to positioning.
- Increased surgery accuracy is brought about by stable positioning.
- Improved patient feedback and experience.
The selection of appropriate gel pads: a Brief Guide
- Fit and coverage: The gel pad should completely cover the entire part of the body that the pad is applied to (thighs, calves, heels, or back) and not slip.
- Quality of the material: Use medical-grade silicon gel pads that are durable and simple to wash.
- Thickness and density: Pads of good density and thickness provide more pressure relief when used on long procedures.
- Fit: Compatibility with stirrups, leg holders, and operating tables used in OT.
- Re-usability and hygiene: Reusable gel pads with a simple disinfection regime are cost- and time-saving.
Gel pads for the lithotomy position help relieve pressure and improve the safety of the surgery.
The use of Patient Positioning Gel pads can support not only the back but also the thighs and legs during long procedures
- Silicon gel pads are desired due to durability, hygiene, and comfort.
- A special heel pad cushions the heels and eliminates pressure injury risk.
- The quality of gel pads helps improve results in Indian OT settings.
- This is particularly important for India at present due to the implementation of international safety standards in hospitals.
With the implementation of international safety standards in Indian hospitals, the application of the correct patient positioning gel pads is becoming key.
In metro cities, hospitals, and even the tier-2 cities, the emphasis is being placed on patient comfort, fewer complications, and quicker discharge.High-quality gel pads (lithotomy position gel pads and heel pads) improve patient confidence, clinical outcomes, and OT effectiveness.
The positioning of the surgery is safer. Indian hospitals could provide high-quality care with fewer complications and happier patients by selecting the appropriate gel pad, namely lithotomy position gel pads, patient positioning gel pads, silicon gel pads, and supportive heel pads.
