Preoperative planning and designing of a fluorocompatible endourology operating room.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A dedicated fluoroscopic-compatible operating room (OR) for endourologic procedures, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy and ureteroscopy, is structurally and functionally different from the general OR. Publications with practical details are scarce, imposing a challenge in construction of such an OR. We outline a practical approach for the design and construction of a modern flourocompatible endourology OR.

METHODS

There were no publications related to a dedicated endourology OR in Medline. A search was then performed for English language articles on OR designing, fluoroscopy in the OR, data archiving, and data relay. We also surveyed the existing endourology OR in different hospitals and analyzed the available technology for audiovisual capture and relay in surgery. This article was then prepared, covering the relevant areas on designing a dedicated flourocompatible endourology OR.

RESULTS

Close cooperation and interaction between an architect and expert construction manager for designing, development, and construction of an OR are necessary. Strategic equipment placement with booms is essential to increase the efficiency and safety within the surgical space. Distinct features of an endourology OR are thickness of the walls for radiation protection, wide OR gate, central floor water exit drain, flourocompatible rotatable OR table, C-arm unit, minimum three hanging thin-film transistor (TFT) screen monitors, and endoscopic equipment supported on a boom. The anesthetic boom should be retractable and movable from one end of the OR table to other. The OR should have an electronic workstation strategically located at one corner for data capture, archiving, and telementoring. Data relay of the OR procedure is facilitated by a control room located in the vicinity of the OR.

CONCLUSION

Designing the layout of the OR is extremely important, necessitating thoughtful planning to provide hassle-free movement, comfort to the surgeon, and efficient data archiving and transmission during a surgical workshop.