Studies reveal that surgical site infections (SSIs) account for approximately 20% of all hospital-acquired infections, highlighting the urgent need to prevent and control these incidences in operating rooms to ensure patient safety.
“Cleaning and disinfection of the surgical area emerge as fundamental pillars to ensure the safe operation of medical facilities. However, classifying spaces within a hospital environment becomes especially relevant in surgical areas, where cross-contamination between areas with different activities and cleaning needs could considerably increase the risk of infections.”
The segmentation of spaces in these areas not only seeks to prevent cross-contamination, but also indirectly contributes to reducing the risk of infections. Within the surgical environment, it is crucial to differentiate various spaces, among them:
- Access and reception area.
- Resuscitation area.
- Dressing room and office area.
- Surgical preparation area.
- Material/instrument cleaning and material storage area.
- Operating rooms (including ambulatory surgery operating rooms).
This segmentation not only optimizes the organization and functioning of the surgical area, but also strengthens the preventive measures against infections, thus ensuring a safer environment for patients and medical staff.
Sources of infection in operating rooms
Most Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) occur during the surgical procedure, when the patient’s wounds are still open. The main sources of infection can derive from:
- Surgical team members and their attire.
- The environmental conditions of the operating room, including the air quality.
- The equipment used during the procedure.
Implementing strict protocols can make a big difference in reducing the incidence of SSIs. Every medical setting should have a robust set of infection control protocols, and every member of the surgical staff must be fully familiar with these procedures.
Environmental measures in the operating room for infection control
The operating room should be kept aseptic, highly sterile and with restricted access. To prevent and control infections in these environments, the following measures can be implemented:
- It is crucial to maintain the operating room between 20-24°C and a relative humidity of 40-60% to prevent bacterial growth.
- Walls should have a smooth surface to ensure easy and effective cleaning.
- Separate doors for entrance and exit. Sliding doors can minimize drafts when entering and leaving the room.
- Professionals should follow strict hygiene standards, wear hospital pajamas, cover head and feet, wear masks, wash hands and wear gloves. Operating room staff should be kept to a minimum and movements should be reduced.
HERMES: solution for operating rooms that facilitates the management and control of crucial measures, such as temperature and humidity monitoring
The distribution of space in the operating room should be carefully designed according to cleanliness levels, the presence of microorganisms and the types of procedures performed. Specific areas should be designated for preparation and disposal, washing and dressing, as well as storage, sterilization, assembly and washing of materials and equipment.
These measures not only promote a safer surgical environment, but also enhance the effectiveness of medical procedures by reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Meticulous attention to detail in OR planning and maintenance can have a significant impact on patient safety and well-being.
Equipment used during the procedure
The equipment used during the surgical procedure plays a key role in the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). For this reason, it is vital to have top-notch hospital equipment that meets the most rigorous standards in terms of design, functionality, and safety.
At Tedisel Medical, we specialize in the manufacture of high-quality hospital equipment. We stand out for our meticulous attention to the design and functionality of each of our products, to offer optimal solutions that contribute to improving surgical spaces and, ultimately, patient safety.
Our equipment portfolio is designed with infection prevention and workflow optimization in the operating room in mind. From pendants to technical panels, each product has been designed, manufactured, and developed to meet the highest quality and safety standards.
In addition, we always work to understand the specific needs and challenges within the work areas, allowing us to offer customized solutions that are adapted to each surgical environment.
At Tedisel Medical we are committed to providing top-quality hospital equipment that contributes to the prevention of infections and the improvement of surgical spaces, thus providing safer and more effective medical care for all patients.
