Operation Theatre (OT) Sterilization & Infection Control Protocols

How Hospitals Prevent Surgical Site Infections

At Aayush Multispeciality Hospital, Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali

General, Laparoscopic, Laser & Daycare Surgery Specialist

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Why OT Sterilization Is Critical

Operation Theatre sterilization is the foundation of safe surgery.
Even the most successful surgery can fail if infection control is weak.

Strict OT protocols prevent:
✔ Surgical site infections (SSI)
✔ Sepsis
✔ Prolonged hospital stay
✔ Repeat surgeries

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What Is Surgical Site Infection (SSI)?

SSI is an infection occurring:
✔ At the incision site
✔ Inside operated organs
✔ Within 30 days of surgery

Hospitals with poor sterilization have higher complication rates.

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Zones of Operation Theatre

Modern OTs are divided into zones:

🔹 Protective Zone – changing rooms
🔹 Clean Zone – corridors, prep area
🔹 Sterile Zone – operation room
🔹 Disposal Zone – waste management

Restricted movement reduces contamination.

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Instrument Sterilization Process

✔ Manual cleaning
✔ Ultrasonic cleaning
✔ Autoclaving (steam sterilization)
✔ Ethylene oxide (ETO) for delicate instruments
✔ Sterility indicator checks

Every instrument is traceable and documented.

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OT Environment Control

✔ Laminar airflow
✔ HEPA filtration
✔ Positive pressure ventilation
✔ Controlled temperature & humidity

Air quality directly affects infection rates.

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Surgical Team Sterility Protocol

✔ Surgical hand scrub (5–7 minutes)
✔ Sterile gowns & gloves
✔ Head cover & masks
✔ No jewellery or accessories

Even a small breach can cause infection.

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Patient Preparation Before Surgery

✔ Pre-op bath
✔ Hair clipping (not shaving)
✔ Skin antiseptic painting
✔ Prophylactic antibiotics

Preparation begins before entering OT.

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Antibiotic Prophylaxis Policy

✔ Given within 60 minutes before incision
✔ Correct drug selection
✔ Single-dose where appropriate

Overuse is avoided to prevent resistance.

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OT Cleaning Between Surgeries

✔ Surface disinfection
✔ Floor mopping with approved chemicals
✔ Linen replacement
✔ Waste segregation

No case is started without OT clearance.

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Biomedical Waste Management

✔ Color-coded waste bins
✔ Sharp disposal containers
✔ Daily removal
✔ Legal compliance

Safe disposal protects patients & staff.

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Role of Infection Control Committee

✔ Regular OT audits
✔ Infection surveillance
✔ Staff training
✔ Policy updates

Infection control is a continuous process.

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OT Safety in Daycare & Laparoscopic Surgery

Short surgeries still require:
✔ Full sterilization
✔ Same OT discipline
✔ Zero compromise

Minimally invasive ≠ minimal safety.

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How Aayush Multispeciality Hospital Maintains Zero-Tolerance for Infection

✔ Dedicated infection control team
✔ Modern sterilization equipment
✔ Strict OT protocols
✔ Trained OT staff
✔ Regular monitoring

Safety is non-negotiable.

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Why Patients Trust Dr. Ankur Bhanushali

✔ Evidence-based surgery
✔ High hygiene standards
✔ Ethical medical practice
✔ Complete peri-operative care

Clean surgery is safe surgery.

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Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address

📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India

📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7

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Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address

📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa Building, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India

📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6