What surgical complication may occur due to improper patient positioning?

Improper patient positioning during surgery can lead to pressure ulcers, which are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that occur when blood flow is restricted due to sustained pressure on the skin. Surgical procedures often require patients to be in specific positions for extended periods, and if there is inadequate cushioning or frequent repositioning is not performed, certain areas of the body can experience excessive pressure.

These ulcers are particularly concerning as they can lead to further complications, including delayed healing, increased hospital length of stay, and the potential for additional surgical interventions if the ulcers become severe. It's critical for the surgical team to carefully assess and monitor the patient's position, using appropriate equipment and techniques to minimize the risk of developing these ulcers during the operation.

Other complications like hematoma formation, infection risk, and ventilation issues may arise from various factors, but they are not directly tied to the consequences of improper patient positioning in the way that pressure ulcers are.