3 Basic equipment for operating theatres

Operating rooms (OR) are specialized work Spaces that require the highest quality powerful equipment that surgeons and other operating room personnel use to perform life-saving procedures. Without these devices, operating Theatre professionals may struggle to provide the care patients require.

Operating room professionals require a certain amount of basic operating room equipment depending on the situation. Each piece of equipment serves a different purpose, making it easier for the operating room crew to get the job done.

Here we discuss some of the most common operating Theatre equipment available to meet the needs of OR staff and patients on a daily basis.

1.OPERATING TABLE

There are several types of operating tables in use and all are rather complicated in construction and manipulation. They are designed so that they can be adjusted to the needs of the surgeon for any type of operation he may perform. It is mounted on casters that are locked in place during surgery. The enlisted operating theatre specialist assigned to circulate for an operation is responsible for assisting with the positioning of the patient. Therefore, he must have a detailed knowledge of the table as well as the many positions of the patient for surgery.

2.SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TABLES

a. Mayo Stand. This stand or table is small, and its height is adjustable. It is designed to overhang the operating table and hold instruments and other sterile items for immediate use and within easy reach of the scrub. The tray upon which the sterile goods are placed is detachable so that is may be sterilized for use during an operation.

b. Large Tables for Instruments. The largest table for instruments used in the operating theatre is the angular or "L"- shapedtable. The table provides an area where additional sterile supplies for the case can be arranged and stored until needed. If the number of supplies to be used does not require the use of the angular table, a smaller table is used. Both the angular table and the smaller rectangular table are often referred to as "back" tables. The "back" table is placed within easy reach of the scrub and is draped with sterile drapes for use during an operation. There is also an undraped angular instrument table.

3.LIGHTING

a. Ordinary lighting for the OR is adequately provided by fixtures recessed into the ceilings. To provide additional light over the operative area, there is a special overhead light fixture suspended from the ceiling. This fixture is designed to provide shadow-free lighting on the operative area, to give off a minimum amount of heat, and to be easily cleaned and adjusted. The specialist should practice adjusting this light so that he can make changes quickly and accurately during surgery. The ceiling lights and the operating lights are on different circuits to avoid confusion and delay if a fuse burns out.

b. Portable lights are necessary for satisfactory illumination in some operative procedures such as vaginal or rectal surgery. Storage battery lights should be provided for emergency lighting during a power failure. These must be inspected, tested, and recharged at frequent intervals, as prescribed by local policy.