Setting up a Gynaec Operation Theatre (OT) in your hospital or clinic? It’s a big step—but also a very rewarding one. A well-designed OT ensures smooth surgeries, patient safety, and better outcomes.
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the basic requirements for a standard Gynae OT, especially if you’re planning for NABH accreditation or upgrading your setup.
✅ 1. Location and Layout of the OT
The OT should be located in a low-traffic, restricted zone, ideally close to the labor room and recovery area.
Include these areas in the layout:
- Ante room (entry area)
- Scrub area (for handwashing)
- Sterile corridor
✅ Use positive pressure ventilation to prevent outside air from entering the OT. This keeps the surgical environment cleaner.
✅ 2. Flooring and Walls – Is Vinyl a Must?
Vinyl Flooring (Seamless Type)
- Highly recommended, though not always mandatory.
- Easy to clean, non-porous, and prevents infection.
- Best when installed with coved edges for a smooth floor-to-wall transition.
Walls (Paint or Panels?)
- Use vinyl-coated wall panels or medical-grade epoxy paint.
- If not using vinyl, choose paint that is washable, antibacterial, fire-resistant, and meets infection control standards.
✅ 3. Ventilation – Do You Need Laminar Air Flow (LAF)?
For routine Gynae surgeries like C-sections or D&Cs, LAF is not mandatory.
However, make sure to:
- Use HEPA-filtered air supply
- Maintain 15–20 air changes per hour (ACH)
- Keep the OT under positive pressure
- Have an HVAC system that controls temperature (20–24°C) and humidity (50–60%)
✅ 4. Infection Control & Sterilization
- Use an autoclave or have access to a central sterile supply department (CSSD)
- Divide the OT into sterile, clean, and dirty zones
- Install hands-free scrub stations with elbow/knee-operated taps
✅ 5. Electrical Setup & Safety Measures
- Install shadowless OT lights
- Use medical-grade power sockets
- Keep emergency power backup (UPS or inverter) ready
- Ensure fire safety compliance – extinguishers, alarms, clear evacuation plans
✅ 6. Essential Equipment for Gynaec OT
Here’s your basic equipment checklist:
- Adjustable OT Table
- Anesthesia machine and monitors
- Suction machine
- Fetal Doppler or CTG machine
- Diathermy unit
- Surgical kits for C-sections, D&Cs, and hysterectomies
- Infant resuscitation area (if handling deliveries)
✅ 7. Regulatory Compliance
- Follow NABH guidelines or local Clinical Establishment Act rules
- Have a system for bio-medical waste disposal
- Keep records of infection control protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
🟢 Final Thoughts
If you’re building or upgrading your Gynae OT, always balance your budget, patient safety, and future compliance goals.
✔️ Use vinyl flooring and antibacterial paints if you plan to go for NABH entry-level accreditation.
✔️ While laminar airflow isn’t necessary for basic gynecologic procedures, make sure you have a strong HVAC system with HEPA filters.
To register for our next masterclass please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur
