An operating table is a table on which a patient lies during a surgical procedure. The purpose is to keep the patient in place while the surgical team operates, and may move various parts of the body using their accessories for easier access to the surgical site. They are typically used within an operating room, ambulatory surgery center, primary health care centers or other healthcare facilities, where surgeries are performed. Operating tables are used in various types of procedures such as cardio-thoracic, orthopedic, bariatric, robotic, urology, and more.
A superior operating table is the foundation for better patient outcomes, versatile, easy-to-use and built for today’s procedures. While selecting a OT table the key trends to consider are clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and enhanced productivity. Here are the five important factors to consider while buying an operating table:
1.What kind of procedures will be performed in the surgical suite?
A specialty hospital operation table has different needs than a general hospital operating table, performing a variety of surgeries, including Trendelenburg, lateral, prone,C-arm support for fluoroscopy and many more features.
Hospitals that specialize in neurology, orthopedics, urology, bariatric surgeries should prefer a table designed specifically for that procedure. Thus, general operating tables cannot offer the features required for specialized surgeries but are cost efficient and can fit in for every price range.
2.What Basic Features Are Important to You?
When you’re selecting a surgical table, there are some key characteristics you should look for in any model. These features should meet all the demands of the operating room and the surgeons. An optimized operating table can improve workflow and facilitate the use of all the available features.
The features can include comfortable access to the patient’s incision site, monitor accessibility, the ability to safely position the patient as needed, and the flexibility of taking images of the patient quickly and easily during surgery. The table should be made of radiolucent material, meaning X-Rays can see through it.
3.Do you want a Stationary or a Mobile Operating Table?
A stationary operating table features a table column that is securely anchored to the floor. Usually a fixed surgical table will have a variety of specialty top sections which can be removed or added as required, depending on what procedure is being performed.
A mobile operating table can be used in any size facility, and they are by far the most popular option.
4.Should you go for an hydraulic OT table or a motorized Table?
Operating tables are essential in any OR, because patients stability and comfort depend on them in any procedure, therefore, they must be stable and well-padded. Earlier, hydraulic OT Tables were used but over the time, there was oil leakage due to which they would fail in the middle of a surgery. With technological advancements, motorized OT Tables are developed. Motorized OT Tables are more reliable and offers a variety of features as compared to hydraulic OT table
5.What Height and Weight Range do you need?
To meet the ergonomic requirements of the surgeon and other operating staff, an adjustable table is a necessity. Most current operating tables have adjustability ranging from 73 cm to 122 cm.
Earlier, only hospitals specializing in bariatric surgery needed bariatric tables.
However, with the changing lifestyle and unhealthy food habits, a table able to accommodate larger patients is a wise investment.
Obese people are more likely to suffer from serious health problems such heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and cancer — making them frequent consumers of healthcare services.
Earlier, only hospitals specializing in bariatric surgery needed bariatric tables.
However, with the changing lifestyle and unhealthy food habits, a table able to accommodate larger patients is a wise investment.
Obese people are more likely to suffer from serious health problems such heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and cancer — making them frequent consumers of healthcare services.
6. What is your budget for the operating table?
With products available at almost any price point, it can be difficult to make smart purchasing decisions that support the efficiency, growth and success of your hospital and meet the needs of your surgical suite.
A high-quality specialty surgery table can cost up to three times as much as a general surgery table, so consider your needs carefully to avoid spending money unnecessarily.
