What is the recommended positioning post-operatively for a patient who has had infratentorial surgery?

For a patient who has undergone infratentorial surgery, the recommended postoperative positioning is to keep the head of the bed flat. This positioning is crucial because it helps to minimize the risk of increased intracranial pressure, which can occur after such procedures. Keeping the head flat promotes venous drainage from the brain, reducing the likelihood of complications such as headaches, nausea, and potential brain swelling.

Infratentorial surgery involves areas of the brain located near the cerebellum and brainstem, where delicate structures are situated. Therefore, maintaining a flat position is particularly important to allow the brain to stabilize and reduces stress on the surgical site.

Other positioning options may not be appropriate in this context. For example, elevating the head of the bed could potentially lead to elevations in intracranial pressure, while positioning the patient on the operative side can put undue pressure on the surgical site and compromise circulation. Maintaining a 45-degree angle may also lead to similar issues related to increased intracranial pressure. Therefore, keeping the head of the bed flat is the most suitable and safest approach postoperatively in these cases.