Preparing for Surgery: The Operating Room
What to expect the day of surgery
On the day of surgery, you will meet with the medical team involved in your surgery. This will include:
Getting ready for surgery
Before your surgery:
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You will need to change into a hospital gown.
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You will get an ID bracelet.
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An intravenous catheter (IV) may be put in your arm or hand. This is used to give you anesthetics and other medicines.
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You may be rolled to the operating room on a stretcher.
What does the operating room look like?
The operating room can be an overwhelming place. The room will likely be cold. This is to minimize bacterial growth. It will have a lot of technical equipment. You may see equipment such as:
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Operating table. This is in the center of the room. It can be raised, lowered, and tilted in many directions.
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Operating room lights. These allow for bright light without shadows during surgery.
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Monitor screens. You will be connected to various monitors. These keep track of your vital signs. These include your heart rate, oxygen saturation level, and blood pressure.
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Ventilator. This is a breathing machine. It stands by the head of the operating table. If your procedure is done with general anesthesia, you will have a ventilator to breathe for you during the procedure. It moves oxygen and air in and out of your lungs.
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Sterile instruments. These are small tools to be used during surgery. They are arranged on a stainless steel table.
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Video screen. If the procedure is laparoscopic, there will be a video screen for the surgeon to be able to see the area of the surgery.
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Electrocautery machine. This is to control bleeding.
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Other equipment. If needed, other specialized equipment may be brought into the room. For example, your team may use a heart-lung machine during heart surgery.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jonas DeMuro MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer:
Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2022
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