Sitting position for neurosurgical procedures

The sitting position may be used for posterior fossa craniotomy or cervical spine surgery. Venous pooling can cause decreased cardiac output, hypotension, and decreased cerebral perfusion. The sitting position for craniotomy is associated with a higher risk of venous air embolism and pneumocephalus than other surgical positions. For further information, refer to UpToDate content on patient positioning for surgery and anesthesia, section on the sitting position.