Operationssaal

Operationssaal, or operating room, is a specialized hospital space where surgical procedures are performed under sterile conditions. It is designed to minimize infection risk and support patient safety across a range of operations, from routine to highly complex. The environment typically features controlled ventilation, restricted access, and systems for monitoring and emergency readiness.

Key features include an adjustable operating table, surgical lighting, anesthesia equipment, patient monitors, suction and irrigation devices, and a full set of sterilized instruments arranged on sterile tables. Imaging and navigation tools such as portable X-ray or fluoroscopy, and sometimes robotic assistants, may be present. An adjacent area handles scrubbing, gowning, and sterile storage.

Staffing comprises surgeons, surgical assistants, scrub nurses, circulating nurses, and an anesthesiology team. The patient often moves from preoperative areas to induction, positioning and draping, followed by the procedure, intraoperative monitoring, closure, and transfer to recovery or intensive care. Specimens are labeled for pathology, and instrument counts are performed to prevent retained items.

Safety standards emphasize aseptic technique, the use of surgical safety checklists, infection prevention, proper handling of sharps, fire risk management, and radiation protection when imaging is used. Temperature, humidity, and airflow are managed to maintain a stable environment for both patient and staff.

Modern operating rooms vary by specialty. Dedicated orthopedic, cardiovascular, or pediatric theatres exist, and advances include minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgery. Some procedures occur in interventional suites that combine surgical capability with advanced imaging outside the conventional OR.