Inside Modular Operating Theatre: Key Systems Explained

Did you know that the operating theatre is a crucial area in a hospital? Why is that? Because this is where various high-risk medical procedures are performed. For this reason, a modern operating theatre, including a modular operating theatre, must be designed with a system that is able to maintain air stability.

A modular operating theatre (MOT) serves as a solution that combines room structure, air management systems, technical installations, medical-grade materials, and control systems into one integrated unit. As a result, this advanced operating theatre is not merely built as a physical room, but as a medical system that works comprehensively.

Citing Rajesh Kumar Yadav in the journal Modular Operation Theatre, published by the International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences (IJMRHS), MOT is specifically designed to improve patient safety through infection control in the operating theatre.

Key Systems Inside a Modular Operating Theatre

Yadav (2023) also states that a modular operating theatre should be equipped with HEPA filters, positive air pressure, laminar airflow, hermetically sealed doors, prefabricated panels, anti-static flooring, a scrub station, and a centralized control panel. These elements are key factors that influence the efficiency of medical teams working inside the operating theatre.

Furthermore, the main systems inside an MOT include the following:

1. Room Structure

Room structure serves as the initial foundation in operating theatre development. This includes:

• layout,
• room size,
• zoning,
• entry and exit access, including the movement flow of patients, medical personnel, equipment, and materials.

In an Operating Theatre, the structure cannot be designed carelessly. Every room must be integrated, starting from wall panels, doors, flooring, air management systems, medical gas, to supporting equipment. The purpose is clear: to create a safe medical environment.

2. Ducting and Electrical Installation

Ducting and electrical installation are essential technical systems that support the operation of an operating theatre. Ducting functions as an air distribution pathway, while the electrical system supports various medical and non-medical devices inside the room.

Some operating theatre equipment that requires a stable electrical supply includes:

• operating lamps,
• control panels,
• pendants,
• air management systems,
• monitors,
• and other medical equipment.

On the other hand, ducting must be designed with accurate calculations to ensure proper air distribution. Poorly designed air pathways can disrupt pressure stability, temperature, and overall air quality inside the operating theatre.

3. Operating Theatre HVAC System

One of the most crucial systems in a modular operating theatre is the operating theatre HVAC system. HVAC does not only function as a cooling system. It also controls air quality, temperature, humidity, pressure, and air circulation.

Yadav also explains in his journal that the use of laminar airflow and HEPA filters in a modular operating theatre aims to:

• help control airborne contamination,
• reduce the risk of post-operative infection.

This shows that the air inside an operating theatre must be carefully designed and controlled. In a modular operating theatre, the HVAC system plays an important role in keeping the environment stable during medical procedures. This system also helps create a more comfortable working area for doctors, nurses, and medical staff.

4. Medical Gas Installation

Medical gas installation is required to support various procedures in the operating theatre. This system may include:

• oxygen (O2),
• nitrogen (N),
• medical air,
• vacuum,
• AGSS or Anesthetic Gas Scavenging System.

In an operating theatre, medical gas is usually connected to essential equipment. Its placement is designed strategically so doctors and medical personnel can access medical gas quickly without disrupting the surgical process.

This is why medical gas must be designed by considering pressure, outlet points, and distribution safety. The goal is to prevent disruptions during medical procedures.

5. Wall Panel

Citing Yadav (2023), one of the main components of a modular operating theatre is prefabricated wall and ceiling panels. These panels help create a more precise, strong, neat, and medically suitable room environment.

Therefore, wall panels in a modular operating theatre are not merely room dividers.

6. Medical-Grade Vinyl Flooring

The journal Modular Operation Theatre by Yadav also mentions the use of anti-static flooring as one of the important elements in a modular operating theatre. This function is essential because operating theatre flooring must support safety, hygiene, and comfort for medical teams.

In addition, flooring installation must be carried out neatly to avoid gaps where dirt or microorganisms may accumulate. In a Modern Operating theatre, flooring material becomes an important part of the overall room hygiene system.

7. Hermetic Door

What is a hermetic door? A hermetic door in an operating theatre is a door specifically designed to seal the room more tightly. This system helps maintain stable pressure, temperature, and air quality.

This is in line with Yadav (2023), who states that modular operating theatres use hermetically sealed doors to help limit contaminants from entering the room. This type of door also supports the air management system by preventing uncontrolled air movement in and out of the operating theatre.

8. PLC Smart System

The PLC Smart System is a control system that helps monitor and regulate important parameters inside the operating theatre. This system can be used to control temperature, humidity, air pressure, HVAC status, lighting, and other supporting systems.

In a modular operating theatre, a control system is essential because the operating theatre requires stable and easily monitored conditions. Hospital teams can more easily observe room conditions and ensure that every system works according to operational needs.

9. Medical Equipment

In the journal Modular Operation Theatre, it is explained that modular operating theatre design helps ensure surgical equipment is easier to access. This is important because procedural efficiency is strongly influenced by proper equipment placement.

Medical equipment in an operating theatre may include:

• operating lamps,
• medical pendants,
• operating tables,
• X-ray monitors,
• surgical cabinets,
• and other devices according to hospital needs.

10. Scrub Station

Still referring to Yadav (2023), the scrubbing station or scrub station is one of the main elements in a modular operating theatre. Its presence helps ensure that medical teams carry out preparation procedures according to sterility requirements before surgery begins.

How does it work?

A scrub station is an area used by doctors and medical personnel to perform surgical handwashing before entering the operating theatre. This area plays an important role in hygiene procedures and contamination prevention.

PT MACI Delivers an Integrated Modular Operating Theatre System

In the development of a Modular Operating Theatre, every system mentioned in the previous points cannot be handled separately. Each element must be designed as part of one integrated system that works together.

As a cleanroom contractor in Indonesia, PT Mega Andalan Cleanroom Industri provides comprehensive support for MOT projects. Its scope includes:

• room structure planning,
• ducting and electrical installation,
• HVAC system,
• medical gas installation,
• wall panels,
• medical-grade vinyl flooring,
• hermetic doors,
• PLC Smart System,
• medical equipment,
• scrub station.

Most importantly, before handover, every project goes through a testing and commissioning process. This stage is carried out to ensure that all systems operate according to their intended functions.

In developing cleanroom facilities, including MOT, PT MACI also refers to Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 40 of 2022. This ensures that the operating theatre is not only modern in appearance, but also better prepared to meet the technical, safety, and operational requirements of hospitals.

Ready to build your Modular Operating Theatre with PT MACI?