What Is an Operating Table?

An operating table is a specialized piece of medical equipment used in healthcare settings, allowing patients to lie down for surgical procedures or examinations. It must provide stable support and flexible adjustment features to facilitate surgical operations and ensure patient safety.

An operating table typically consists of the following components:

Main Bed Frame: A metal structural framework that serves as the foundation for the entire unit

Adjustable Tabletop: Segmented design, commonly three or more movable sections

Lifting System: Electric or hydraulic mechanism that controls table height

Position Adjustment System: Adjusts the angles of the head, back, and leg sections via a control panel

Common operating table accessories include:

• Multi-functional headrests and neck supports
• Removable armboards and leg crutches
• Patient restraint belt systems
• Special positioning pads (e.g., lumbar bridge pads)
• Image intensifier holders (for intraoperative fluoroscopy)
• Sterile drape clamps
• IV pole mounting interfaces
• Lateral extension side rails

Uses of the Operating Table

Operating tables are primarily used to provide a safe and reliable platform for various surgical procedures; their core functions are reflected in four key dimensions:

Adjustable Height and Tilt:

• Adapts to various surgical requirements (e.g., lower height for laparoscopic surgery, Trendelenburg for thoracic procedures)
• Enables healthcare providers to operate in a natural standing posture, reducing occupational strain
• Tilting angles assist with controlling intraoperative bleeding or cerebral blood flow
• Positioning adjustments ensure airway patency during anesthesia

Tabletop Articulation:

• Multisectional surface (head, lumbar, leg) allows multi-axial bending
• Facilitates quick conversion to positions like lithotomy or prone
• Enhances exposure of the surgical field (e.g., depressed lumbar region for spinal surgeries)

Patient Support Accessories:

• Limb holders prevent nerve injuries from intraoperative shifting
• Spine-specific cushions maintain physiological curvature
• Inflatable pressure-relief pads reduce pressure ulcer risks during lengthy procedures
• Turning devices assist in safely repositioning anesthetized patients

Imaging Compatibility:

• Uses radiolucent materials (e.g., carbon fiber) compatible with intraoperative fluoroscopy
• Integrated C-arm locking interfaces ensure accurate alignment of imaging equipment
• Laser guides assist with navigation in minimally invasive procedures
• Non-magnetic design supports intraoperative MRI compatibility

Types and Applications of Operating Tables

By Drive and Control Mechanism:

Manual Hydraulic Operating Table

Uses a hand pump and hydraulic transmission system to adjust positions; commonly used in basic medical facilities. Continuous handle pressing enables basic lifting and tilting. Advantages include low cost and minimal mechanical failure, but limited precision and efficiency—suitable for routine minor surgeries.

Electric Operating Table

Motor-driven and panel-controlled, supporting preset memory functions for multiple surgical configurations. Offers smooth and precise adjustments, enabling quick positional changes—significantly enhances efficiency in complex surgeries. Standard in tertiary hospitals, especially for cardiac, thoracic, and laparoscopic procedures.

Electro-Hydraulic Operating Table

Combines electric control with hydraulic transmission for excellent load capacity and stability. Offers the convenience of electric control and the strength of hydraulic support—especially suitable for orthopedic procedures requiring heavy-duty traction systems.

By Surgical Department:

General Surgical Table

Features universal adjustments and standardized accessory interfaces. Adaptable for general surgery, gynecology, and routine procedures. Simplified table structure allows for modular function extensions—ideal for small to mid-sized operating rooms with diverse but less frequent surgeries.

Specialized Operating Tables:

• Orthopedic Surgical Table: Traction functionality + radiolucent compatibility to support high-load orthopedic procedures.
• Obstetric Delivery Table:Rapid conversion to lithotomy position; equipped with delivery frame, fetal monitoring interface, and anti-slip pads—balancing maternal comfort with quick transition to an emergency cesarean section.
• Cardiovascular Surgical Table:Floating translation design + cardiopulmonary bypass machine mount, optimized for interventional imaging monitoring.
• Neurosurgical Table: Cranial fixation + 360° rotation; compatible with intraoperative navigation systems and MRI environments.
• Ophthalmic Surgical Table:Low-profile frame + microsurgical module to accommodate delicate eye procedures.

Common Surgical Positions on the Operating Table

Supine Position

Patient lies flat with arms at sides or on armboards; head and neck supported by soft pads in neutral alignment. The most basic position—suitable for 90% of general surgeries (e.g., abdominal, thyroid procedures). Requires extra sacral protection to prevent pressure ulcers post-anesthesia.

Trendelenburg Position

Table is tilted head-down by 15-30°, allowing pelvic organs to shift upward. Standard for laparoscopic gynecology and prostatectomy. Enhances exposure with pneumoperitoneum. Requires firm shoulder supports and careful tilt duration to prevent facial edema.

Reverse Trendelenburg Position

Table is tilted head-up by 30-45°, reducing cerebral blood pooling. Used in neurosurgery and carotid endarterectomy—lowers intracranial venous pressure and improves visibility. Blood pressure should be closely monitored to prevent hypotension.

Prone Position

Patient lies face-down with chest and hips supported by gel pads; head placed in horseshoe headrest to maintain airway. Essential for posterior spinal procedures and extensive back debridement. Eyes and genitalia must be protected; ensure abdomen hangs freely to reduce intra-abdominal pressure.

Lithotomy Position

Legs elevated in stirrups, hips flexed at 90° and abducted; buttocks slightly off table edge. Used in gynecology and urology for vaginal or transurethral procedures. Watch for popliteal nerve pressure and gradually reposition legs after surgery to prevent hypotensive events.

Fowler’s Position

Back elevated at 40-60°, forming a semi-sitting posture; knees supported on leg boards. Common in head/neck and thoracoscopic surgeries—improves diaphragmatic movement and ventilation. Spinal kyphosis patients may require lumbar padding; monitor for slippage.

Lateral Position

Patient lies on side, bottom leg bent, top arm extended on dual armrests, with wedge between knees. Used in kidney or hip replacement surgeries requiring lateral access. Protect protruding bony areas (ear, acromion, iliac crest); axillary roll prevents brachial plexus injury.

Tilted Lateral Position

A lateral position with the table tilted 10-20° toward one side, creating a compound oblique angle. Useful for hepatic (e.g., right liver lobectomy) or unilateral thoracoscopic surgeries. Use support boards on tilt-opposite side and multi-point belts on shoulders/pelvis; monitor hemodynamics and adjust angles as needed to avoid ventilation-perfusion mismatch.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing an OR Table

Specialization

Ensure compatibility with specific department needs—e.g., cardiac tables must support bypass machine mounts; orthopedic tables need traction support. Inadequate design can impair surgical safety and efficiency. Consider vendors offering customization services.

Patient Weight Capacity

Load-bearing capacity is crucial for stability—must accommodate various patient sizes. Overloading can cause deformation or collapse; insufficient capacity may lead to wobble, affecting precision.

Tabletop Functionality

Modular design enhances flexibility. Detachable head/leg sections, electrically adjustable height/tilt, and joint articulation must align with procedural demands. Lack of features may require frequent tool changes and delay surgery prep.

Imaging Compatibility

Verify table material compatibility with X-ray and MRI. Some alloys cause artifacts; carbon fiber is highly compatible but costly. For image-guided procedures (e.g., neurosurgery, orthopedics), incompatibility can severely hinder real-time navigation.

Ergonomics for Staff

Adjustment range must suit varying staff heights. Poor pedal or control panel design increases fatigue. Anti-slip edges and rounded corners reduce accidental instrument contact risks.

Safety Features

Reliable mechanical locks are essential. Electric-hydraulic systems should offer emergency manual override during power loss. Pediatric tables must include fall-prevention rails post-anesthesia.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Interface should be intuitive to avoid intraoperative errors. Seamless sealing of joints prevents fluid seepage and bacterial growth. Poor waterproofing or corrosion resistance of removable parts increases infection risks and cleaning difficulty.

Budget and Warranty

Beyond purchase price, evaluate 10-year maintenance costs. Prioritize brands with lifetime key component warranties (e.g., hydraulic systems). For imported units, ensure local parts availability—long repair times may delay procedures.

Conclusion: Selecting an Operating Table

Choosing an operating table involves assessing clinical specialization, load safety, intelligent adjustment, and long-term system sustainability. Selection should be based on departmental use scenarios, ensuring compatibility with traction interfaces and multi-function modules for specialized surgeries. Imaging compatibility and dynamic load capacity are vital. A modular design improves ergonomics and cleaning, with future-proof interfaces for technology upgrades. A full lifecycle evaluation should include hidden maintenance costs and warranty response times. Multi-disciplinary testing validates position adjustment efficiency and emergency reliability—achieving optimal precision and cost-efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is the material quality of an operating table?

Material determines durability and safety. It must be corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and imaging-compatible (e.g., carbon fiber for X-ray). Poor materials risk infection or compromised surgical precision.

How often should an operating table be maintained?

Basic maintenance: monthly. Electrical systems: quarterly cleaning. Repair immediately upon abnormal function to prevent major failures.

How can stability be ensured?

Conduct regular load tests, ensure lock systems are functional, and use anti-slip casters. Orthopedic tables should reinforce lateral structures to prevent intraoperative movement.

What is the average lifespan of an operating table?

Electric models: ~8-10 years; manual hydraulic models: ~12-15 years. Disinfectant corrosion shortens lifespan—use neutral cleaning agents when possible.