What to Expect in the Operating Room

• In the operating room you may be fully unconscious (general anaesthesia) or if you are having a procedure that requires you to be awake, you will be given medicine that will put a part of your body to sleep so that you feel no pain (local anaesthesia).
  

• The operating room team is highly trained and specialized in surgery, comprised of the leading surgeon(s), possibly some assisting surgeons, technicians and nurses.
  

• All of the operating room staff members work to maintain a sterile field during your operation; they wear a mask over their nose and mouth, a full hood covering over their head, sterile gloves and a gown.
  

• This means that everything that could come in contact with the inside of your body is completely clean and free of germs—bacteria, viruses or other organisms that can cause disease or infection. The "sterile field" refers to any area where sterile supplies and instruments are ready for use. During the operation, sterile drapes cover your body to make it part of the sterile field.
  

• Disposable supplies are supplied sterile from the manufacturer and they are stored with protective coverings to keep them sealed until use. Reusable instruments are thoroughly cleaned, inspected, packaged and sterilized by the hospital before each use. Our hospital has systems in place to monitor and ensure that all items are processed completely so they are safe for you.
  

• During the surgery, your vital signs are continuously measured using our modern automatic devices and monitored by the operating team. Vital signs include temperature, heart rate (pulse), breathing rate (respirations), blood pressure and presence of pain. Your heart rhythm (EKG) and blood oxygen saturation (pulse-oximetry) may also be measured. If changes in your vital signs indicate a danger to your health and​ safety, the anesthesiologist will begin appropriate treatment to correct it.