MODERN OPERATING THEATRE COMPLEX: DESIGN, FEATURES AND FACILITIES

THEATRE DESIGN, FEATURES AND FACILITIES

Abstract

Surgery is an integral part of healthcare and an operating theatre complex (OTC) complex is the bedrock of any surgical hospital. The OTC has evolved since the Middle Ages from the Roman tents to Larrey's “flying ambulanceâ€, to operating amphitheatres and gradually to the modern theatres we have today. Operating theatre complexes are designed and constructed to carry out investigative, diagnostic, therapeutic procedures of varying degrees of invasiveness. The design, internal layouts, fittings, furnishings, floor coverings and finishes of modern OTC is mainly for the benefit of the patient. These features and facilities have a significant impact on cleaning and prevalence of microorganisms, influences the surgical team’s ergonomics, communication and collaboration, efficacy and outcome surgery and overall personnel safety. The Dirty, Protected, Clean, Sterile and Ultrasterile areas are kept separate in a progressive manner. There are specific rooms for storage of items, instrument processing, induction of anaesthesia and surgeries. In addition, patient flow from arrival to discharge is in an orderly and logical manner while controlling traffic and activities in the various sections of the internal layout. During the OTC planning stages, safety measures with the possibility of future expansion are incorporated in OTC design, irrespective of the size, number or the specialty of the OTC being planned. Many international surgical societies have produced guidelines and recommendations regarding the design, features (HEPA filters, etc) and facilities of OTC. In Nigeria there are currently no national guidelines. The aim of the write up is to bring to the front burner the design, features and facilities of a modern OTC, so as to guide in building and providing appropriate facility for OTC in Nigeria.