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    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:

    • Your surgeon

    • The anesthesiologist

    • Operating room nurses

    • Other healthcare providers

    Getting ready for surgery

    Before your surgery:

    • You will need to change into a hospital gown.

    • You will get an ID bracelet.

    • An intravenous catheter (IV) may be put in your arm or hand. This is used to give you anesthetics and other medicines.

    • 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:

    • Operating table. This is in the center of the room. It can be raised, lowered, and tilted in many directions.

    • Operating room lights. These allow for bright light without shadows during surgery.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Sterile instruments. These are small tools to be used during surgery. They are arranged on a stainless steel table.

    • 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.

    • Electrocautery machine. This is to control bleeding.

    • 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
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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