Operations as important as patient care may involve different risks that are associated with it. An important aspect, which is paramount during surgery, is patient comfort together with possible operational drawbacks, including pressure injuries, nerve damage, and improper positioning. Another to which a solution has developed is the use of silicon gel pads that improve patients’ safety and comfort during surgery.

What Are Silicon Gel Pads?

Silicon gel pads are surgical assets which are laid down to offer support during surgeries in the operating theater. Being made of premium medical-grade silicone, these pads boast high tear and wear resistant and are super-soft providing ultimate comfort. Their main use is to relieve the amount of pressure that is usually exerted on the body of a patient during surgery, particularly where the surgery takes long or is complicated. They are used widely in many different surgical positions such as supine, prone, lateral and lithotomy positions.

Reducing Pressure and Preventing Pressure Sores

Pressure sores or bedsores or decubitus ulcers are among the most popular post-surgical complications during surgeries that may take a long time during which the patient has to stay in one position. Silicon gel pads are constructed to ease pressure on the body; they make it extremely rare to develop these kinds of painful and potentially risky ulcers.

For example, supine position gel pads are most appropriate in operations where the patient has to lie face downwards. These pads protect the spinal column, the scapulae, and buttock – areas which are most prone to pressure ulcers. They guarantee that pressure points are reduced; hence the patient will not experience pain and discomfort throughout the procedure and their skin remains intact.

Prevention of Nerve Damage

Increased pressure on some of the body structures can cause pressure on nerves which leads to their damage or even paralysis for life. This is where silicon gel pads are more effective in minimizing prime risks such as uneven weight distribution which adds pressure on important body parts such as the arms or legs, head among others.

In surgery where the patient is put in a supine position, where he/she is lying on the back, use of gel pads eliminates strain and possible damage of the nerves on the lower limbs and arms and the spinal nerves. The pads also minimize other complications, including ischemia of muscles caused by pressure on some parts of the body for a long time.

Maintaining Proper Body Alignment

Posture during surgery must be correct in order to avoid inconvenient stress on muscles, ligaments and bones. This misclassification can cause further consequences such as muscle contraction, joint pain or even slow healing after surgery. Silicon gel pads hold a significant role, since when used together with the right positioning, the pads ensure correct positioning of the wrong bones.

Now, there are gel pads that can be placed beneath the patient’s body such as supine position gel pads to make sure that the patient will not shift from the proper alignment while, at the same time, the gel pad serves as the cushion for the spine and other joints of the body. That contributes to the lack of pressure on the specific regions of the body such as shoulders and hips that ensure stability during the procedure.

Improved Recovery and Post-Surgical Comfort

Furthermore, besides reducing risk of postoperative complication, silicon gel pads are useful during the postoperative period. They make recovery easier since there are fewer chances of developing pressure ulcers as well as nerve injuries. Surgery patients who are calm during surgery will be less painful meaning they will not require pain reliefs, in turn have a shorter recovery time and resume normal activities.

Conclusion

Silicon gel pads especially supine position gel pad are effective for minimization of some surgical complications. Being used in pressure sore prevention, nerve injury protection to patients’ suitable positioning, these pads cannot be missed in today’s surgery. They benefit hospitals, surgical and rehabilitation centers by offering increased comfort and safety, besides improving patient healing and recovery rates making them an effective investment for center organizations.