The success of an operation depends not only on careful clarification of the indications, selection of the right time for operating and proper operating techniques, but also correct preoperative preparation and positioning of the patient. This work presents safe positioning techniques, which cover the various different surgical disciplines by means of detailed descriptions and more than 450 full-colored illustrations. New techniques, new instruments and devices, developed for example for minimally invasive surgery, or concealed surgical procedures with indirect visualization techniques, are considered.