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Introduction to the Operation Theatre (OT)
The Operation Theatre (OT), also known as the Operating Room (OR), is a specialized
facility within a healthcare setting where surgical procedures are performed. It is a sterile
environment designed to prevent infection, ensure patient safety, and support the surgical team in
performing medical procedures effectively. The OT is a critical part of the hospital
infrastructure, and its proper management and functioning are essential for successful surgeries
and patient outcomes.
Objectives of the Operation Theatre
1. Provide a Safe Environment: The primary goal is to offer a controlled environment that
minimizes the risk of infection and other complications during surgery.
2. Efficient Surgical Procedure: The OT must be organized and equipped in a way that
allows the surgical team to work efficiently, ensuring that surgeries are completed with
minimal delay.
3. Confidentiality and Privacy: The OT ensures that patient information and procedures
remain confidential.
4. Support for Medical Personnel: The theatre provides a space where surgeons,
anesthesiologists, nurses, and other medical professionals work together as a team.
The Structure of the Operation Theatre
The design of the OT is aimed at reducing the risk of infections and improving workflow. It
typically consists of the following components:
1. Sterile Environment: The OT is maintained under strict aseptic conditions to prevent

infections. The air is filtered, and sterilization techniques are followed for all equipment.
2. Operating Table: This is where the patient lies during the surgery. The table is
adjustable to ensure proper positioning for the surgeon.
3. Lighting System: High-intensity lights are essential for illuminating the surgical site.
The lighting system is usually overhead and adjustable.
4. Surgical Instruments and Equipment: The OT is equipped with a wide range of
surgical instruments, including scalpels, forceps, scissors, and specialized tools
depending on the type of surgery. Additionally, anesthesia machines, monitors, and other
supportive devices are available.
5. Anesthesia Area: A section of the OT is dedicated to the administration of anesthesia,
where anesthesiologists monitor the patient's vital signs and manage sedation.
6. Surgical Scrub Area: This is where the surgical team performs hand scrubbing and
wears sterile gowns and gloves to maintain a sterile environment.
7. Clean and Dirty Zones: The OT is divided into clean and dirty zones to prevent
contamination. The sterile area includes the operating table and surrounding instruments,
while non-sterile areas are for the movement of personnel and storage of non-sterile
items.
8. Air Control Systems: The OT is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems
that regulate temperature and humidity and filter out contaminants to maintain air quality.
Roles of Staff in the Operation Theatre
1. Surgeon: The surgeon performs the surgical procedure. They are responsible for the
safety and well-being of the patient throughout the operation.
2. Anaesthesiologist: The anaesthesiologist manages the patient's anesthesia, ensuring they
are safely sedated or under general anesthesia for the procedure.
3. Scrub Nurse: The scrub nurse assists the surgeon by handling sterile instruments and
maintaining the sterile field during surgery. They are responsible for the preparation of
instruments and ensuring their availability during the procedure.
4. Circulatory Nurse: The circulatory nurse manages the overall environment of the OT.
They handle non-sterile tasks such as ensuring the proper functioning of equipment,
documenting the surgery, and communicating with other medical personnel.
5. Surgical Assistant: A surgical assistant (often a resident or another surgeon) may
provide direct support during the surgery, such as holding instruments, suturing, or
helping with other tasks.
6. OT Technician: They are responsible for setting up the OT with the required equipment,
ensuring sterilization of instruments, and providing technical assistance during the
surgery.
Aseptic Technique and Infection Control
Aseptic technique is the set of practices followed in the OT to prevent infection. This includes:
1. Sterilization of Instruments: All surgical instruments must be sterilized before use in

the OT. This is typically done using autoclaves or chemical disinfectants.
2. Hand Hygiene: Proper hand washing and use of hand sanitizers are critical for all
personnel entering the OT. This includes the surgical team, nurses, and any other staff
members.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Surgeons, nurses, and other personnel wear
sterile gloves, gowns, masks, and caps to maintain the sterile environment and reduce
contamination risk.
4. Disinfection and Cleaning: The OT is cleaned thoroughly before and after each
procedure. Special disinfectants are used to clean the floors, walls, and surfaces to
remove any microorganisms.
Preparation for Surgery
1. Patient Preparation: Before entering the OT, the patient is prepared by undergoing a
preoperative assessment. This includes checking vital signs, fasting requirements, and
confirming the surgical site. The patient is also given anesthesia as prescribed.
2. Instrument Preparation: The scrub nurse or OT technician prepares and sterilizes all
necessary surgical instruments and arranges them in the sterile field for easy access
during surgery.
3. Sterile Draping: The patient is draped with sterile covers, leaving only the surgical area
exposed. This reduces the risk of infection and ensures a clean surgical field.
Post-Operative Care in the Operation Theatre
1. Monitoring: After surgery, the patient is carefully monitored for any complications
related to anesthesia or the procedure itself. This is done in a recovery room or a post-
anesthesia care unit (PACU).
2. Documentation: Detailed records are kept of the surgical procedure, including the
patient’s condition, the surgery performed, any complications, and the post-operative care
given.
3. Cleaning and Sterilization: Once the surgery is complete, all instruments are cleaned
and sterilized for reuse. The OT is also thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the next
procedure.
Safety Protocols in the Operation Theatre
1. Surgical Safety Checklist: A surgical safety checklist is often used to ensure that all
steps are followed and no critical elements are missed. This includes verifying patient
identity, the surgical procedure, and the surgical site.
2. Emergency Protocols: The OT is equipped with emergency supplies and personnel
trained to handle complications, such as unexpected bleeding, heart or respiratory failure,
and other surgical emergencies.
Conclusion
The Operation Theatre is a specialized, highly controlled environment essential for the safe and
effective performance of surgical procedures. The role of nurses in the OT is pivotal, as they
assist in maintaining the sterile field, ensuring patient safety, and supporting the surgical team.
Understanding the structure, roles, and protocols in the OT is crucial for nursing students, as it
enables them to contribute effectively to the surgical process and ensures better patient
outcomes.

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Introduction to the Operation Theatre (OT)

Objectives of the Operation Theatre

The Structure of the Operation Theatre

1. Sterile Environment: The OT is maintained under strict aseptic conditions to prevent

Roles of Staff in the Operation Theatre

Aseptic Technique and Infection Control

1. Sterilization of Instruments: All surgical instruments must be sterilized before use in

Post-Operative Care in the Operation Theatre

Safety Protocols in the Operation Theatre

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