What is the purpose of raising the kidney bridge and flexing the bed during a lateral kidney position?

Raising the kidney bridge and flexing the bed during a lateral kidney position primarily serves the purpose of providing access to the retroperitoneal area. This position allows the surgeon better visualization and access to the kidneys and surrounding structures, which is essential for procedures like nephrectomy or surgeries involving the ureters.

By elevating the kidney bridge, you create a space between the lower ribs and the iliac crest, thus enhancing the approach to the retroperitoneum. This strategic positioning is fundamental to ensure that the surgical field is unobstructed, thereby facilitating a safer and more effective operation.

The other options, while they touch upon relevant aspects of surgical positioning, do not directly relate to the primary purpose of the kidney bridge and bed flexion in this context.