Operation Theatre (OT)

Operation Theatre (OT)

Introduction

• The Operation Theatre (OT) is a specially designed facility within a hospital where surgical operations are carried out under sterile conditions.
• It requires advanced planning, strict aseptic precautions, specialized equipment, and trained personnel for safe and effective surgical care.
• The OT complex is the heart of surgical services, directly influencing patient outcomes, infection control, and hospital reputation.
• Functions include:
• Performing planned (elective) and emergency surgeries.
• Providing a sterile environment for invasive procedures.
• Ensuring safety for patients and healthcare providers.
• Acting as a teaching and training area in teaching hospitals.

Effective Functioning of OT

• Strict aseptic discipline – prevention of surgical site infections is the prime objective.
• Proper zoning system – OT complex is divided into:
• Protective Zone (changing rooms, waiting, sterile supply).
• Clean Zone (scrub area, sterile corridors).
• Sterile Zone (actual OT rooms).
• Coordination – between surgeons, anesthesiologists, OT nurses, technicians, and support staff.
• Availability of equipment and drugs – to avoid interruptions.
• Maintenance of sterile supply chain – instruments, drapes, gloves, etc.
• Well-trained staff – in aseptic techniques, equipment handling, and emergencies.
• Efficient scheduling – to minimize delays, optimize use, and reduce patient waiting.
• Infection control protocols – fumigation, sterilization, hand hygiene, and biomedical waste disposal.

OT Air Conditioning Criteria

Air handling in OT is critical for maintaining sterility.

• Air Changes: 15–20 air changes per hour.
• Temperature: 20–24 °C (optimal comfort for staff and patient).
• Relative Humidity: 50–60% (prevents bacterial growth, reduces static electricity).
• Air Pressure: Positive pressure inside OT compared to adjoining areas (to prevent contaminated air entry).
• Filtration: HEPA filters with 99.97% efficiency for particles >0.3 microns.
• Air Flow: Laminar air flow systems preferred in specialized OTs (orthopedic, transplant, cardiac).
• Fresh Air: 25–30% of air supply should be fresh.

Common OT Equipment

• Anesthesia equipment: Anesthesia machine, ventilators, monitors.
• Surgical lights: Shadowless, ceiling-mounted with adjustable intensity.
• Operation tables: Adjustable for height, tilt, and position (lithotomy, Trendelenburg).
• Suction apparatus: Portable and wall-mounted.
• Electrocautery units: For cutting and coagulation.
• Monitors: ECG, SpO₂, BP, EtCO₂.
• Sterilization equipment: Autoclaves, ETO sterilizers, plasma sterilizers.
• Infusion pumps, syringe pumps.
• Emergency resuscitation trolley: Defibrillator, oxygen cylinder, airway equipment.
• Instrument sets: General surgery, orthopedic, gynecology, neurosurgery, etc.
• OT furniture: Instrument trolleys, mayo stands, kick buckets, IV stands.

Procedure Checklist (Sample)

Before every surgical procedure, a checklist ensures safety.

• Pre-Operative Checklist
• Patient identity confirmed.
• Informed consent signed.
• Pre-operative investigations available.
• Site marking done by surgeon.
• Allergies checked.
• Anesthesia machine and drugs checked.
• Sterile instruments and packs available.
• Blood products arranged if required.
• Intra-Operative Checklist
• Surgical count of sponges, instruments, needles.
• Monitoring of patient vitals.
• Documentation of drugs administered.
• Post-Operative Checklist
• Final instrument and sponge count.
• Transfer to recovery with handover.
• Post-op orders noted (medications, fluids, monitoring).

Duties and Responsibilities

OT In-Charge (Surgeon/OT Administrator)

• Overall supervision of OT functioning.
• Scheduling and prioritizing cases.
• Enforcing aseptic policies.
• Liaison with hospital administration.
• Ensuring staff training and discipline.
• Monitoring infection control practices.

OT Technician

• Preparing OT before surgery (instruments, equipment).
• Assisting anesthetist and surgeon intra-operatively.
• Handling sterilization of instruments.
• Ensuring functioning of machines and equipment.
• Maintaining inventory and stock.
• Biomedical waste segregation.

OT Nurse

• Prepares patient and assists in surgery.
• Maintains sterile field.
• Performs sponge/instrument count.
• Administers drugs intra-operatively as per anesthetist.
• Provides post-op care and transfer.
• Acts as link between surgical team and recovery.

Physical Facilities

• Zoning system for infection control.
• Minimum 1 OT per 50 surgical beds (planning norm).
• OT size: 6m × 6m × 3.5m (standard for general OT).
• Scrub area: Adjacent to OT, 1 m² per person.
• Sterile store: For linen, packs, instruments.
• Recovery room: 1 bed per OT table.
• Changing rooms & washrooms for staff.
• Support areas: Sterilization room, utility, disposal area.
• Lighting: Bright, shadowless, preferably with backup power.
• Communication systems: Intercom, viewing panels, warning lights.

Engineering Specifications

• Flooring: Seamless, anti-static, non-slippery (epoxy or vinyl).
• Walls: Smooth, light-colored, washable, antibacterial paint.
• Ceiling: Monolithic, with flush fittings for lights/AC ducts.
• Doors: Sliding type, preferably automatic, airtight.
• Windows: Avoided; if present, fixed and sealed.
• Power supply: Uninterrupted power with UPS backup.
• Plumbing: Hands-free scrub sinks with elbow/foot-operated taps.
• Waste disposal: Separate ducts for biomedical waste.
• Acoustic control: Noise levels <50 dB.
• Fire safety: Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency exits.

Video Description

·        Don’t forget to do these things if you get benefitted from this article

·        Visit our Let’s contribute page https://keedainformation.blogspot.com/p/lets-contribute.html

·        Follow our page

·        Like & comment on our post

·