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
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
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.
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.
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.
OT Environment Control
✔ Laminar airflow
✔ HEPA filtration
✔ Positive pressure ventilation
✔ Controlled temperature & humidity
Air quality directly affects infection rates.
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.
Patient Preparation Before Surgery
✔ Pre-op bath
✔ Hair clipping (not shaving)
✔ Skin antiseptic painting
✔ Prophylactic antibiotics
Preparation begins before entering OT.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis Policy
✔ Given within 60 minutes before incision
✔ Correct drug selection
✔ Single-dose where appropriate
Overuse is avoided to prevent resistance.
OT Cleaning Between Surgeries
✔ Surface disinfection
✔ Floor mopping with approved chemicals
✔ Linen replacement
✔ Waste segregation
No case is started without OT clearance.
Biomedical Waste Management
✔ Color-coded waste bins
✔ Sharp disposal containers
✔ Daily removal
✔ Legal compliance
Safe disposal protects patients & staff.
Role of Infection Control Committee
✔ Regular OT audits
✔ Infection surveillance
✔ Staff training
✔ Policy updates
Infection control is a continuous process.
OT Safety in Daycare & Laparoscopic Surgery
Short surgeries still require:
✔ Full sterilization
✔ Same OT discipline
✔ Zero compromise
Minimally invasive ≠ minimal safety.
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.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
✔ Evidence-based surgery
✔ High hygiene standards
✔ Ethical medical practice
✔ Complete peri-operative care
Clean surgery is safe surgery.
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
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
