Operation Theatre is that unit of the hospital where all the major and minor surgical procedures are performed. Operation theatre is a strictly prohibited area to maintain sterile aseptic conditions.
Do all the hospitals are equipped with operation theatres (OT) ?
Yes all the multispecialty hospitals are well equipped with operation theatre unit. The type of operation theatre usually depends on the type of speciality and the type of procedures that can be performed in the operation theatre.
What are the parts of an operation theatre (OT) ?
An operation theatre has mainly three units: the preoperative area, the operative area and the post operative care unit.
What are the main steps in planning an operation theatre (OT) ?
Operation theatre is usually planned depending on the speciality and number of beds in the hospital. Operation theatre is planned such that it is maintained in strict aseptic conditions and provides a suitable environment for the surgeons, nurses and technicians.
What kind of procedures can be performed in an operation theatre ?
An operation theatre can be utilized to perform procedures from minor, major to laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures depending on the availability of equipments, staffing and type of the procedure to be performed. Most of the hospitals utilize the operation theatre for any procedures that require major surgical intervention and administration of general anaesthesia.
Does the operation theatre have a different staff ?
Yes, the nursing and technical staffs of the operation theatre are trained differently and are dedicated to operation theatre only. Separate staffing of the operation theatre is maintained to maintain the quality, sterile environment and standard of care.
How many operation theatres are there in an operation theatre unit ?
The number of operation theatres in an operation theatre unit is dependent on the bed strength of the hospital and number of specialities.
Is the operation theatre for different specialities designed differently?
The basic design of the operation theatre remains the same to provide adequate working space for the surgical team and maintain strictly sterile environment. The equipments may slightly differ depending upon the type of speciality.
Why it is mandatory to maintain strict aseptic conditions in an operation theatre ?
Operation theatre is a place where blood and body fluids are exposed during the surgery and hence chances of spread of infection are high, hence strict asepsis protocol is followed to prevent any transmission of infection.
Is the operation theatre sterilized after every procedure?
Yes, the operation theatre is appropriately cleaned and sterilized before the start of the next procedure. Most of the hospitals also fumigate or sterilize the entire operation theatre unit on a weekly basis to maintain aseptic environment.
Are the patients relatives/caretakers allowed in the operation theatre unit ?
No, only the patient is allowed inside the operation theatre unit. Some hospitals allow the patients relatives in the post operative care unit after the procedure is performed.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
