We investigated the effects of prone position on respiratory dead space and gas exchange in 14 anaesthetized healthy patients undergoing elective posterior spinal surgery of more than 3 h of duration.

The patients received a total intravenous anaesthetic with propofol/remifentanil/cisatracurium. They were ventilated at a tidal volume of 8–10 mL kg−1, zero positive end-expiratory pressure and an inspired oxygen fraction of 0.4. Physiological, airway and alveolar dead spaces were calculated by analysis of the volumetric capnography waveform. Measurements were made in supine position (20 min after the beginning of mechanical ventilation) and 30, 120 and 180 min after turning to prone position.

We found that the alveolar dead space/tidal volume ratio did not change. PaO2/FiO2 increased, although not statistically significantly. Dynamic compliance was reduced due to a reduction in tidal volume and an increase in plateau pressure.

Patients undergoing surgery in prone position for a duration of 3 h under general anaesthesia including muscle relaxation and mechanical ventilation without positive end-expiratory pressure have stable haemodynamics and no significant changes in the alveolar dead space to tidal volume ratio. Oxygenation tended to improve.