Operating table: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 23:31, 2 April 2025

An operating table, also known as an operating room table or surgical table, is a specially designed medical table on which a patient is positioned to undergo a surgical procedure. It is one of the most essential pieces of surgical equipment in an operating room or surgical suite of a hospital, clinic, or ambulatory surgery center.

Modern operating tables are designed to provide stability, adjustability, and access for the surgical team, while accommodating a wide range of surgical specialties and procedures.

Types and Classifications[edit]

Operating tables can be broadly classified into two main types:

Operating table systems
Mobile operating tables

Operating Table System[edit]

An operating table system typically consists of three integrated components:

Operating table column: Anchors the structure and houses the electronics or hydraulics for positioning.
Tabletop surface: The platform on which the patient lies, often modular and radiolucent for use with imaging.
Transporter: A device or mechanism for positioning or moving the tabletop.

Operating table systems are frequently used in high-end surgical environments and are often installed as stationary units, with the column permanently anchored to the floor.

Stationary Operating Table System[edit]

In a stationary setup, the base and column are fixed in the operating room floor. This design:

Provides greater stability during procedures.
Allows easy integration of imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT or C-arm fluoroscopy, as the radiolucent tabletop permits unobstructed imaging.
Offers improved accessibility for surgical personnel due to the absence of a mobile base and obtrusive foot structures.

Mobile Operating Tables[edit]

Mobile tables are designed to be flexible and are typically used in settings where surgery is performed in different locations or for specific disciplines. They usually include:

Integrated wheels for movement.
Hydraulic or electric controls for adjusting position and height.
Specialized table designs for orthopedic, gynecological, neurological, or ophthalmic procedures.

While mobile tables offer versatility, they may be limited in their imaging compatibility and overall rigidity compared to fixed systems.

Features[edit]

Modern operating tables include advanced features to support a wide range of surgical needs:

Electronic or manual height adjustment
Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positioning
Lateral tilt
Modular attachments for headrests, leg supports, arm boards, and traction systems
Radiolucent materials to accommodate intraoperative imaging

Specialized Table Tops[edit]

Interchangeable or modular table tops are designed for specific types of surgery:

Neurosurgical: Head fixation and delicate positioning
Orthopedic: Traction systems and fracture frames
Cardiothoracic: Enhanced imaging compatibility
Gynecologic/Urologic: Lithotomy positioning and drainage capabilities

Safety and Ergonomics[edit]

Safety features are critical for both patient and staff:

Locking mechanisms to prevent accidental movement
Padding to prevent pressure injuries
Anti-microbial surfaces for infection control
Ergonomic design for surgical team comfort and accessibility

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 [[File:BLW 19th Century Operating Table.jpg|thumb|right|170px|A 19th-century operating table.]]
-An '''operating table''', sometimes called '''[[operating room]] [[Table (furniture)|table]]''', is the table on which the patient lies during a surgical operation.<ref name=TFD>[http://www.thefreedictionary.com/operating+table Operating table], thefreedictionary.com</ref>  This surgical equipment is usually found inside the [[surgery]] room of a [[hospital]].<ref name=Reverso>[http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-cobuild/operating%20table Operating table], dictionary.reverso.net</ref>
-== Definition ==
-=== Two main classifications: system and mobile  ===
-An operating table system is basically made up of three components: an operating table column, the table top and the transporter. Modern operating table systems are available as both stationary and mobile units. There are a wide range of table tops that can be used for both general surgery and for specialist disciplines. Mobile operating tables, however, tend to be equipped with a specific discipline in mind. The base, column and table top form a unit.
 [[File:Operating table system with a stationary unit.JPG|thumb|Operating table system with a stationary unit]]
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Operating Table}}
+An '''operating table''', also known as an '''operating room table''' or '''surgical table''', is a specially designed medical table on which a [[patient]] is positioned to undergo a [[surgical procedure]]. It is one of the most essential pieces of [[surgical instruments|surgical equipment]] in an [[operating room]] or [[surgical suite]] of a [[hospital]], [[clinic]], or [[ambulatory surgery center]].
-Since the table column for a stationary operating table system is firmly anchored to the floor, the additional necessary medical devices can easily be brought to the operating area and positioned.
+Modern operating tables are designed to provide stability, adjustability, and access for the [[surgical team]], while accommodating a wide range of surgical specialties and procedures.
-These devices include, for example, x-ray equipment, which can easily be slid under the table top.
-For personnel, the system offers improved leg space since disruptive foot geometry is no longer present.
-Additional elements can be adapted to the operating table. This flexibility is very important since it enables the table to be adapted to suit the relevant patient or the surgical discipline.
-The advantage of the mobile operating table, on the other hand, is that the position of the table can be changed within the operating room. However, the foot of the table limits the leg space available to the surgical team.
-The individual segments of the table top can be easily removed and replaced. They also permit x-rays and conduct electricity.
-Another special feature of the operating table system is the ability to use appropriate interface modules to establish communication with diagnostics systems, for example, angiography, MR and CT. This is only possible with stationary columns since the systems require a fixed point.
-== Properties and requirements made of an operating table ==
-There are a number of basic functions that every operating table must fulfill in order to meet the requirements made of it.
-For example, the ''height'' of an operating table must be ''adjustable''. This is the only way a surgeon can adapt it to their height and thus work ergonomically. In addition it must be possible to ''tilt'' the table to the left and to the right to ensure a better overview into body cavities or to use gravity to move organs (e.g. laparoscopy).
-In addition, the individual ''operating table segments'' must also be ''adjustable''. This is the only way to ensure the necessary anatomical bends of the body and enable extremities to be positioned suitable for operating. A further property of the operating table top is ''radiolucency''. The radiolucent surface should be as large as possible to ensure the largest possible image without disruption. The padding of the table is also important, this must be both soft and radiolucent. Soft because it must distribute the pressure optimally otherwise the patient may suffer pressure ulcers which staff may be liable for.
-== Comparison: Operating table system and mobile operating table ==
+==Types and Classifications==
+Operating tables can be broadly classified into two main types:
+* '''Operating table systems'''
+* '''Mobile operating tables'''
-The operating table system has a number of advantages. Transport is easier since this unit is generally firmly secured to the floor and thus the foot and column of the unit no longer need to be transported.
+===Operating Table System===
-In addition, the transporter has light and large casters which are gentle not just to the floor. The entire operating area is more hygienic since the casters are not attached to the system, like on a mobile operating table. These are hard to clean and more unhygienic as a result.
+An operating table system typically consists of three integrated components:
-The operating table column can be rotated by 360° and offers ideal space for the feet of the team. The table top is, thanks to the use of x-ray-capable materials, almost completely radiolucent.
+* '''Operating table column''': Anchors the structure and houses the electronics or hydraulics for positioning.
-The universal operating table is available as both stationary, mobile and moveable units.
+* '''Tabletop surface''': The platform on which the patient lies, often modular and radiolucent for use with imaging.
-A mobile operating table is, however, used as a special table. The table top cannot be removed or replaced. Operation may, according to version, be manual, pedal or motorised.
+* '''Transporter''': A device or mechanism for positioning or moving the tabletop.
-== Operating table positions ==
+Operating table systems are frequently used in high-end surgical environments and are often installed as stationary units, with the column permanently anchored to the floor.
-Patients may suffer pressure ulcers as a result of lying incorrectly on an operating table or lying on an operating table for too long. Nursing staff and doctors try to prevent this from happening.
+===Stationary Operating Table System===
-Typical standard positions are, for example, back, stomach, side, [[Trendelenburg position|Trendelenburg]] and a seated/half-seated position.
+In a stationary setup, the base and column are fixed in the operating room floor. This design:
-The patient should always be positioned or optimally positioned in cooperation with the anaesthetist, surgeon and operating room staff. Prior to the operation, the decision must be made as to exactly how the patient is to be positioned. This decision not only takes account of the type of operation, it also considers the age, weight and health of the patient with regard to the heart, lungs, circulation, metabolism, blood circulation problems etc.
+* Provides greater stability during procedures.
+* Allows easy integration of imaging equipment such as [[X-ray]], [[CT]] or [[C-arm]] fluoroscopy, as the radiolucent tabletop permits unobstructed imaging.
+* Offers improved accessibility for surgical personnel due to the absence of a mobile base and obtrusive foot structures.
-== Advantages of an operating table system ==
+===Mobile Operating Tables===
+Mobile tables are designed to be flexible and are typically used in settings where surgery is performed in different locations or for specific disciplines. They usually include:
+* Integrated wheels for movement.
+* Hydraulic or electric controls for adjusting position and height.
+* Specialized table designs for orthopedic, gynecological, neurological, or ophthalmic procedures.
-Unlike a mobile operating table which is usually employed in hospitals with small operating departments, for example, in ambulant operating rooms, modern operating table systems are characterised by their great mobility. They also have special table tops designed for a variety of surgical disciplines and, thanks to the ability to change these tops, they enable versatile use of an operating room. An operating table system with a stationary column is more stable and more hygienic. The better transport options improve the patient flow from the patient transfer unit and the operating room considerably. Finally, operating table systems with stationary columns enables control elements to be integrated into image procedures, for example, angiography, MR and CT.
+While mobile tables offer versatility, they may be limited in their imaging compatibility and overall rigidity compared to fixed systems.
-== Literature ==
+==Features==
+Modern operating tables include advanced features to support a wide range of surgical needs:
+* Electronic or manual height adjustment
+* Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positioning
+* Lateral tilt
+* Modular attachments for headrests, leg supports, arm boards, and traction systems
+* Radiolucent materials to accommodate [[intraoperative imaging]]
-#  Kramme, Rüdiger: Medizintechnik. 3. Edition. Heidelberg 2007, P. 830-831
+==Specialized Table Tops==
-#  Schindler, Herbert: Arbeitsgebiet Operationssaal. Lagerungen, Hygiene, Gefahren. Stuttgart 1985, P. 26
+Interchangeable or modular table tops are designed for specific types of surgery:
-#  Aschemann, Dirk: OP-Lagerungen für Fachpersonal. Heidelberg 2009, Figure P. 53-56
+* '''Neurosurgical''': Head fixation and delicate positioning
+* '''Orthopedic''': Traction systems and fracture frames
+* '''Cardiothoracic''': Enhanced imaging compatibility
+* '''Gynecologic/Urologic''': Lithotomy positioning and drainage capabilities
-==References==
+==Safety and Ergonomics==
-{{Reflist}}
+Safety features are critical for both patient and staff:
+* Locking mechanisms to prevent accidental movement
+* Padding to prevent pressure injuries
+* Anti-microbial surfaces for infection control
+* Ergonomic design for surgical team comfort and accessibility
+==See Also==
+* [[Operating room]]
+* [[Surgical instrument]]
+* [[Anesthesia machine]]
+* [[Patient positioning]]
+* [[Operating room management]]
 [[Category:Surgical instruments]]
 [[Category:Medical equipment]]
+[[Category:Hospital equipment]]
+[[Category:Operating rooms]]