THE WORK TABLE

2 What are the requirements of the O.T. TABLE?

The modern operation table is a mechanical apparatus capable of
Adjustment to give a variety of positions for a patient
undergoing surgery.
- Most tables are designed to provide suitable positions for a
wide range of general surgical operations.
- It can be adapted for specialised procedures by the addition
Of accessories (neurosurgery, orthopedics).
- The introduction of complex operative procedures has required
The manufacture of more sophisticated operation with the table
Base unit positioned in the centre of the theatre on to which
Is fitted a removable top.
- This facilitates the transport of the operated patient.
An operation table which offers power operation,
Interchangeability of table top for ease of patient transport is
Illustrated. Fig. 1A, and 1B
The table must have the following functions:
* Can be tilted downwards at the head and foot ends.
* Can be tilted from side to side.
* Can be elevated or lowered as a whole.
* Can be broken at hip level for gynaecological operation (e.g.
vaginal hysterectomy), renal surgery, and certain orthopaedic
operations.
* Can have the head and foot ends of the table removed to allow
for other attachments, eg. the application of a neurosurgical
frame.

What are the Accessory Equipments?
Most operating tables should have the following accessory
equipment or attachments:
* A rubber mattress placed on top of the table to prevent the
patient's body touching any metal part of the table in all
positions.
- The mattress is divided into head, body and leg sections,
which may be attached together to prevent slipping.
* A non-slip mattress designed to prevent movement of the patient
in tilted positions.
* An anaesthetic screen - a metal frame, the base of which slides
under the mattress.The top of the frame allows for the
operative drape to be placed over it, thus separating the
sterile operative area from the anaesthetic area.
* A head rest frame - a horseshoe shaped metal frame which is rubber
padded. It attaches to the operating table to stabilize the
patient's head during neurosurgical operations.
* Acrylic plates - transparent plastic bridges which may be placed
on the operating table under the mattress. X-rays can be taken
during an operation by slipping a X-ray plate under the plastic bridge.
* A kidney bridge - a bridge under the mattress at waist level which,
when elevated, arches the middle of the body for easy exposure
of the right or left kidney.
* An arm rest - used to support the patient's arm for intravenous
therapy,blood pressure monitoring or hand operations.It may
also be used to extend the arm for a radical mastectomy,thus
exposing the axilla for access to the axillary lymph nodes.
* An armslide supports the unused arm and preventing it from
falling over the edge of the table.
* Leg stirrups are usually marked left and right.They are used to
stabilise the patient's legs in the lithotomy position,eg.for
a dilation and curettage operation.
* The laminectomy bridge is an arched frame over which the patient
is placed face down.It allows for extension of the
vertabrae and exposure of the lamina.
* A hand table may be attached to the operating table to allow for
a wide working field during operations on the hand or arm.
* Sandbags assist in stabilizing a limb, eg. they may be placed
under a patient's knee for support during a menisectomy
operation.
In a thyroidectomy, the neck may be extended slightly backwards and the head stabilized in a round rubber ring.
A sandbag may be placed on either side of the head for
stability.
* Pillows to provide cushioning and protection for a patient's body
and limbs.
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