Operating rooms are known for their distinctly cool environments. This consistent chill is a deliberate aspect of surgical practice, rooted in specific considerations for safety, efficiency, and the well-being of everyone involved in a procedure. These controlled conditions contribute to the overall success of surgical interventions.
The Typical Operating Room Temperature
Operating rooms typically maintain a temperature range between 18°C and 22°C (64°F to 72°F). This range is a standard guideline followed by most modern hospitals, with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) providing recommendations. While some variations exist, such as slightly warmer settings for pediatric or geriatric patients, the general aim is to stay within these established parameters.
Why Operating Rooms Are Kept Cold
A significant reason for cooler operating room temperatures relates to infection control. Lower temperatures can inhibit bacterial growth and minimize pathogen spread. Advanced ventilation systems, often equipped with HEPA filters, operate more efficiently in cooler conditions, reducing airborne particles. This helps reduce the risk of surgical site infections.
The comfort of the surgical team is another primary factor. Surgeons and other staff members wear multiple layers of sterile attire, including gowns, masks, gloves, and sometimes heavy lead aprons. These layers, combined with physical exertion and heat generated by surgical lights, can cause discomfort and overheating. A cooler room helps prevent excessive sweating, supporting the team’s focus and precision during intricate tasks.
Cooler conditions also benefit sensitive medical equipment. Modern surgeries rely on high-tech devices like monitors, robotic tools, and specialized lights, all of which generate heat. Lower ambient temperatures help prevent these devices from overheating, ensuring their reliable performance and accuracy.
Managing Patient Temperature During Surgery
Despite the cool room, maintaining a patient’s core body temperature during surgery is a primary concern. Anesthesia can impair the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature, making patients susceptible to hypothermia (below 36°C / 96.8°F). Hypothermia during surgery can lead to various adverse outcomes, including increased risk of surgical site infections, greater blood loss, impaired blood clotting, cardiac complications, and prolonged recovery.
To counteract the cool environment and anesthesia, medical teams employ several strategies to keep patients warm. Pre-warming patients before surgery using forced-air warming blankets helps stabilize their thermal reserves. During the procedure, common methods include forced-air warming systems, warmed intravenous fluids, irrigating solutions, and heated surgical table pads. These measures ensure patient safety and optimal recovery.
The Surgical Team’s Experience
The surgical team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, adapts to the cool operating room environment as a part of their daily routine. They wear specialized attire, beginning with scrubs, which are typically loose-fitting shirts and pants designed for comfort and cleanliness. Over these, they don sterile gowns, gloves, masks, and head coverings. Some procedures also require heavy lead aprons for radiation protection.
This multi-layered attire, combined with the physical demands of standing for extended periods and performing intricate movements, can lead to significant body heat generation. The cooler room temperature helps manage this heat, allowing the team to remain comfortable and focused throughout lengthy and complex operations. While the environment might feel chilly to an unclad patient, it is calibrated to support the demanding work of the surgical professionals, enabling them to perform with precision and efficiency.