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Basic Instructions Guide In the operations department

Site: EHC | Egyptian Health Council
Course: دلائل الاجراءات التمريضية لقسم العمليات
Book: Basic Instructions Guide In the operations department
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 11:39 PM

Description

"last update: 9 Feb. 2025"                                                                                          تحميل الدليل

- Prepared by

Operation Room guide

Under supervision

- Prof. Dr. Mohamed Latif, CEO of the Egyptian Health Council

 Dr. Kawthar Mahmoud, Head of the Egyptian Nursing Syndicate - Member of the Senate

 

Prepared by

Title  

Name

NO.

Dean Of Faculty Nursing, Professor of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Tanta University

Dr Afaf Abdel Aziz Abdel Aziz Basal

1

Professor Of Critical Care Nursing

Prof.Dr/Zeinab Hussain Ali

2

Professor And Head of the Department of Medical Surgical Nursing. Faculty-. Benha University

Amal Said Taha Refaie

3

Supervisor Of the Education Sector at Port Said University

Amal Ahmed Khalil Morsy

4

Professor Of Medical Surgical Nursing- Faculty of Nursing- Cairo University

Dr. Hanan Ahmed Al Sebaee

5

Head of central administration on secondment at MOHP

Dr Neveen ab drab al0nabi Mohamed

6

Director Of Primary Health Care Nursing Department at MOHP.

Maysa Hosny Ahmed Tammam

7

Supervisor Of Technical Education- EHA 

Nancy Alaa Eldeen Abd-Elbaset Ali

8

Supervisor Of Nursing Services Development- EHA

Sherien Mohamed Saad

9

Assistant Professor of Maternity and Neonatal Health Nursing - Faculty of Nursing- Ain Shams University

Assist.Perof. Dr./Heba Mahmoud Mohammed

10

General manager of general administration of health institutes affairs

Dr Mai Galal Ibrahim Al-Assal

11

Participants  

Head of nursing administration at EHA

Mr. Adham Abdel Nasser Okasha

12

member of the Nursing administration at EHA, luxor branch

Mr. Gehad Akram Hussein

13


- Introduction to the Operations Unit

The operating room is divided into four main sections, each serving a specific purpose:

Geographical Location:

  • The operating suite must be located in a suitable position relative to all hospital departments to ensure easy access.
  • It should be situated away from sources of contamination.
  • It must be positioned away from direct sunlight and strong winds.
  • Centralization of Equipment and Devices: It is essential to have the necessary equipment and devices available in each operating room to avoid duplication.
  • Hospital Size: The larger the hospital in terms of bed capacity, the greater the need for operating rooms—i.e., (2 operating rooms for every 50 beds).
  • Number of Staff in the Operating Suite.
  • Operating rooms should be spacious enough to facilitate staff movement.
  • Operating staff must be highly skilled and efficient, with continuous training provided.

2) Low-Risk Area Includes:

  • Changing room for doctors and nurses, equipped with a restroom (for both males and females).
  • Waste storage area.
  • Doctors' accommodation rooms.
  • Linen storage.

3) Medium-Risk Area Includes:

  • Patient preparation room.
  • Recovery room.
  • Operating supervision office.
  • Doctors' office.
  • Storage room for surgical supplies.
  • Staff lounge.
  • Equipment and endoscopy room.
  • Pharmacy.
  • Sterile instrument storage rooms.
  • Sterile pack storage rooms.
  • Dedicated area for receiving used instruments and tools, with a separate entrance.
  • Main control rooms (Electricity – Gases – IT).
  • Firefighting and fire safety equipment.

4) High-Risk Area Includes:

  • Operating rooms of all types.
    • Operating rooms must have a dedicated exit for contaminated and used instruments.
    • A designated pathway must be in place for isolated cases to and from the operating rooms.

Operating Room Contents:

  • Electric surgical light (2 units if possible) – A special type (shadowless) with a sterile, easily movable arm.
  • Operating table (surgical bed): Moves in all directions depending on the type of surgery.
  • Accessory stand: Includes leg and arm supports, a leather strap for patient stabilization, a small headrest, a special headrest for brain surgeries, and shoulder supports.
  • Anesthesia machine.
  • Large instrument table (Back Table).
  • Mayo table (movable instrument table).
  • Small anesthesia table.
  • Monitor (digital observation device).
  • Movable electric suction device.
  • Movable electrocautery device (Diathermy).
  • Round, wheeled chairs (with and without backrests).
  • Scale, whiteboard, and an electronic panel with a regular clock and a surgery timer.
  • Small metal step stool.
  • Three IV stands.
  • Infusion pump (syringe pump – infusion pump).
  • Fluid warmer.

Specialized Equipment:

Ophthalmic Surgery Room:

  • Vitrectomy machine.
  • Surgical microscope.
  • Electrically operated microscope chair.
  • Cooling device for cataract surgeries.
  • Electric autoclave.

Orthopedic Surgery Room:

  • Special orthopedic surgery table (attached to the main table).
  • High-intensity X-ray machine (C-Arm).
  • Electric or pneumatic tourniquet.
  • Surgical microscope.
  • Dedicated microscope chair.
  • Walls and doors should be lead-lined.

Neurosurgery Room:

  • Operating table that supports all necessary positions for different surgical cases.
  • Surgical microscope.
  • Dedicated microscope chair.

ENT Surgery Room:

  • Surgical microscope for ear surgeries.
  • Dedicated microscope chair.
  • Laryngoscope with a light source.

Urology Surgery Room:

  • Complete endoscopic system with a light source, cables, and fluid pump.
  • Operating table compatible with resection procedures and leg removal for endoscopic surgeries.
  • Electrocautery device compatible with endoscopes.
  • Lithotripsy (stone fragmentation) device.
  • Mobile X-ray machine (C-Arm).

Obstetrics and Gynecology Surgery Room:

  • Infant bed equipped with suction and oxygen.
  • Surgical endoscope.

Open-Heart Surgery Room:

  • Heart-lung machine with an integrated water system.
  • Defibrillator (DC shock and internal paddles).
  • Cell saver (blood conservation device).
  • Patient warming system (Bair Hugger).
  • Activated Clotting Time (ACT) measurement device.
  • Cardiac ultrasound machine with transesophageal probe (TEE).
  • Arterial blood gas (ABG) analyzer.

Equipment for Organ Transplant Operating Rooms:

Operating Room Requirements:

The operating room must meet the following conditions:

A. Compliance with Standards:

  • It must adhere to the standards and specifications for operating rooms as outlined by the Minister of Health.
  • It must meet the quality standards set by the Supreme Committee for Human Organ Transplantation.

B. Minimum Required Medical Equipment:

  • Efficient anesthesia machine equipped with a suitable ventilator.
  • Backup Ambu bag and sufficient oxygen cylinders, along with multiple oxygen supply sources.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor.
  • Pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen saturation.
  • Capnograph to monitor carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air.
  • Non-invasive blood pressure monitor for regular readings every five minutes.
  • Defibrillator integrated with a monitor, along with necessary medications for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Suction device.

Additional Requirements for Major Surgeries or Critical Cases:

In addition to the previously mentioned equipment, the following must be available:

  • Invasive blood pressure monitor.
  • Ventilator integrated with the anesthesia machine must have multiple alarms for any malfunctions and provide various ventilation modes.

Recovery Room Equipment:

The recovery room must be equipped with:

  • Monitors for ECG, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure.
  • Defibrillator readily available.
  • Ambu bag.
  • Suction device.
  • Electric shock device (defibrillator).
  • An anesthesiologist must supervise the room.

Laboratory:

The facility's internal laboratory must be capable of performing all necessary tests for organ transplantation, including:

  • Complete blood count (CBC).
  • Blood chemistry analysis.
  • Monitoring of immunosuppressive drug levels in the blood based on the type used, with ongoing adjustments.
  • Tissue compatibility testing before transplantation.
  • Comprehensive infection diagnostics, including various viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
  • Aerobic and anaerobic cultures, including blood cultures, body fluid cultures, etc.

Blood Bank:

The medical facility must have at least a storage blood bank with the following:

  • Blood refrigerator with sufficient capacity.
  • Plasma and cryoprecipitate freezer.
  • Automated platelet agitator.
  • System for blood type compatibility testing.
  • Records for blood and its derivatives' intake and usage.
  • A team including a physician with the Egyptian Fellowship in Blood Transfusion (or an equivalent qualification), supported by technicians and administrative staff.

Diagnostic Imaging Unit:

The medical facility must have an advanced diagnostic imaging unit equipped with:

  • Standard X-ray machine for chest and full-body imaging as needed.
  • Ultrasound machine with Doppler and echocardiography capabilities, along with standard imaging features. The unit must allow use in operating rooms, ICUs, and patient rooms, with various probe frequencies as required.
  • Advanced mobile X-ray machine (C-Arm), with a digital screen for use in interventional radiology procedures during surgeries.
  • Angiography imaging devices (traditional or digital).
  • Spiral CT scanner with 3D imaging capabilities, biopsy guidance, and other functions.
  • An advanced MRI scanner can be used as an alternative to the CT scanner.

Digital Records & Medical Data Management:

  • The facility must have an advanced digital system for storing, processing, and retrieving medical data for all organ transplant patients, including test results, imaging, and reports.
  • This system must allow secure data sharing between medical facilities while maintaining patient confidentiality.
  • Electronic integration of the organ transplant program with the Supreme Committee for Human Organ Transplantation website for efficient operations and maximum benefit.

- Operating room equipment

Operating room equipment and preparation form

Type

Category

Unit

Quantity

Furniture

- A ceiling spotlight with a handle that moves it in all directions

 

 

- Complete operating table with (2 arms - 2 holders) to raise the leg

Foam pillow - head ring

 

 

Crocodile table

 

 

- Rectangular table

 

 

- Square table

 

 

- Round chair with leather base without back

 

 

- Abdominal gauze holder

 

 

- Holder for operating table accessories

 

 

- Metal ladder

 

 

- A board with: (electronic board - clock - ray lantern)

 

 

Tools

- Plate on a wheeled stand

 

 

- Trolley for transporting patients with a leather mattress

 

 

- Solution holder

 

 

- Portable battery powered spotlight

 

 

- Stethoscope

 

 

Devices

 

- Central gas network

 

 

- A device that regulates solutions by drops

 

 

- Electrical diathermy device

 

 

- Electric suction device

 

 

- Electric shock device

 

 

- Electrically assisted ventilator

 

 

- Electric monitor with battery

 

 

- Blood pressure monitor

 

 

- Full anesthesia machine

 

 

- Mobile X-ray machine

 

 

- Solution heating device

 

 

Medical and surgical supplies

- 20 ml plastic syringes

 

 

- 10 ml plastic syringes

 

 

- 5 ml plastic syringes

 

 

- 2 ml plastic syringes

 

 

- Insulin syringes

 

 

- Foley sizes

 

 

- Regular Nelton catheter, different sizes

 

 

- Silicone catheter sizes

 

 

- Central venous catheter sizes

 

 

Arterial catheter sizes

 

 

- Rail tube sizes

 

 

- Chest suction tubes

 

 

- Blood suction tubes (for wounds)

 

 

- Blood transfusion device

 

 

- Solution transfer device

 

 

- Laryngeal tubes sizes

 

 

Sterile gloves in various sizes

 

 

Butterfly sizes

 

 

- Airway sizes

 

 

- Plaster

 

 

- Bandaid (sizes)

 

 

- Obsite sizes

 

 

- Streppad for wounds

 

 

- Electrodes (ECG capsule)

 

 

Urine collection bag

 

 

tubes of different sizes

 

 

- Laryngoscope with tongue depressor sizes

 

 

- Betadine 10% for diseased skin

 

 

- Betadine 75 for hand washing

 

 

- Alcohol 70-90%

 

 

Buffered formalin to preserve samples until delivery

 

 

Cleaning tools

- Chlorine and soap

 

 

- Cleaning cart

 

 

- A suction device to extract water from operating rooms

 

 

- Furniture polishing pads

 

 

- Glass polishing tools

 

 

- wiping tools

 

 

Nursing records

- A notebook of the operations that were performed

 

 

- Medicines dispensing authorization book

 

 

- Operation reservation book (operation dates)

 

 

- Pathology analysis notebook

 

 

-Excised specimen book

 

 

- Case delivery and receipt book

 

 

Textile notebook

 

 

notebook of unexpected events

 

 

Emergency Vehicle Delivery and Receipt Book

 

 

-Waste book

 

 

Nursing records book

 

 

Medical reports book

 

 

Maintenance book and broken devices reporting

 

 

- X-ray book

 

 

- Store exchange authorization book

 

 

- Treatment paper

 

 

- Lined paper

 

 

- A book  for delivering notifications

 

 

- Operations notification book

 

 

- Carbon

 

 

- Needle pin

 

 


Recovery room equipment form (12) beds                

Type

The category

Unit

Quantity

Furniture

- A mobile equipped bed with barriers on both sides

number

 

- Central gas network

exit

 

- Round chair with leather base without back

number

 

- Emergency cart

number

 

Hand wash basin

 

 

- Small movable table

number

 

 

 

Devices

- A device for heating solutions

number

 

- A device for regulating solutions by the drop

number

 

- Blood pressure monitor

number

 

- Mobile suction device

number

 

- Heart defibrillator

number

 

- Full anesthesia machine in emergency cases if possible

number

 

- Emergency equipped carrier with oxygen cylinders

number

 

 

 

Tools

- Stethoscope

number

 

- Medical thermometer

number

 

- Solution holder

number

 

- Special side spotlight

number

 

 

 

textiles

- Large sheet

number

 

- Pillow case

number

 

- cushion

number

 

- Leather mattress for trolley

number

 

- Hand towel

number

 

 

 

Medical supplies

- Ky gel

Tube

 

- Plaster

early

 

- ECG capsule

number

 

- Airway sizes

number

 

- Plastic catheters of various sizes

number

 

- Intravenous device

number

 

- Central venous catheter sizes

number

 

Butterfly sizes

number

 

Laryngoscope with tongue depressor

set

 

- Laryngeal anesthesia tube sizes

set

 

- Intravenous cannula sizes

number

 

- Syringes of all sizes

number

 

Operating Room Setup and Preparation Form               

Type

The category

Unit

Quantity

Furniture

- Stainless steel metal desk with drawers

number

 

- Office chair with leather back

number

 

- Plastic chair with plastic back

number

 

- Aluminium information panel

number

 

- Telephone

number

 

Devices

- Internal pager

number

 

                  Operations break Room Setup Form 

Type

The category

Unit

Quantity

Furniture

- Plastic padded armchair

number

 

- Rectangular wooden table

number

 

- Plastic wall hanger

number

 

Devices

8 feet refrigerator

number

 

- Coldair refrigerator (for freezing water)

number

 

tools

- Glass cups

number

 

- Plastic tray

number

 

textiles

- Used hand towels

number

 

- Perfumed

number

 

Cleaning tools

- Liquid soap

your

 

- Yellow towels

number

 

- Cleaning equipment

number

 


         Distribution of nursing staff in one operating room

Description

Morning shift

Afternoon

shift

Night shift

comments

 

Sterile nursing

1

1

1

  Each operating room must have 2 nurses (one sterile nurse and one circulating nurse).

  Each preparation or recovery room (with 5 beds) must have 1 nurse assigned.

 

nursing assistant

1

1

1

 

Nursing horizons

1

1

1

 

Nursing preparation

1

1

0

 


- Patient Flow in the Operating Unit

·  The patient is received from the inpatient department in the low-risk area.

·  The patient is transferred on the surgical trolley, after preparation, to the preparation room (for anesthesia induction).

·  After anesthesia, the patient is transferred from the preparation room to the operating room.

·  Once the surgery is completed, the patient is moved to the recovery room as per the anesthesiologist’s instructions.

·  If the patient fully recovers without complications, they are transferred back to their hospital ward.

In case of complications, the patient is transferred based on the anesthesiologist’s decision and in coordination with the ICU physician.