Introduction to the Operating Room

LESSON 1: ORIENTATION

1-13

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1-13. SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TABLES

a. Mayo Stand. See figures 1-8, 1-11, and 1-12. This stand or table is small, and its height is adjustable. It is designed to overhang the operating table and hold instruments and other sterile items for immediate use and within easy reach of the scrub. The tray upon which the sterile goods are placed is detachable so that is may be sterilized for use during an operation.

b. Large Tables for Instruments. See figures 1-9, 1-10, 1-11, 1-12, and 1-13). The largest table for instruments used in the OR is the angular or "L"- shaped table. The table provides an area where additional sterile supplies for the case can be arranged and stored until needed. If the number of supplies to be used does not require the use of the angular table, a smaller rectangular table is used. Both the angular table and the smaller rectangular table are often referred to as "back" tables. The "back" table is placed within easy reach of the scrub and is draped with sterile drapes for use during an operation. (See Figure 1-10.) There is also an undraped angular instrument table (back table).

Figure 1-8. Mayo stand with detachable tray.

Figure 1-9. Large instrument table (back table).

Figure 1-10. Undraped angular instrument table (back table).

Figure 1-11. Sterile set-up (equipment set-up for surgery).

Figure 1-12. Sterile equipment in position.

c. Table for Skin Preparation ("Prep") Setup. Some type of a small instrument table is necessary for setting up a sterile field containing the materials needed to cleanse or prep the patient's skin for surgery. Refer to figure 1-13.

Figure 1-13. Table containing sterile prep supplies.

d. Additional Tables. Depending upon the type of surgery to be performed, shelved instrument tables or small accessory tables may be needed in an OR in addition to those described in the previous paragraphs. For example, in ORs without recessed wall cabinets or in those with inadequate wall cabinet space, a small instrument table with shelves is used to hold the sutures, solutions, and medications that may be required during an operation.

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