Home > Encyclopedia of Surgery > Operating Room

Definition

An operating room (OR), also called surgery center, is the unit of a hospital where surgical procedures are performed.

Purpose

An operating room may be designed and equipped to provide care to patients with a range of conditions, or it may be designed and equipped to provide specialized care to patients with specific conditions.

Description

OR environment

Operating rooms are sterile environments; all personnel wear protective clothing called scrubs. They also wear shoe covers, masks, caps, eye shields, and other coverings to prevent the spread of germs. The operating room is brightly lit and the temperature is very cool;...