Question:
Does the Operating Room have to be SO COLD??

Of all the surgeries I've had, why in the world is the O.R. so COLD?? I realize bacteria and *germs" breed in moist environments/climates, but come on, is it REALLY necessary?? I felt the cold steel table in previous surgeries and it was quite uncomfortable. I'd appreciate hearing from O.R. personnel especially or anyone that has this knowledge. Is there any way I can at least have a warm blanket BEFORE I transfer from the stretcher/bed to "the table" or will the *lights be out* (under anesthesia) when I'm in the O.R. and not know whther it's cold or not? Can someone please help me to understand? Don't mean for this to be a dumb question, but if you don't know, you ask, right? Thank you!    — yourdivaness (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 19, 2002
This is a question you absolutely have to ask your anesthesiologist when you see him/her for your pre-op appt. This varies so much from hospital to hospital. I had brain surgery in 1982 and I remember the warm blanket and being wheeled into the OR. When I had my RnY May 2nd, 2002, I was "out" before I even got out of the holding room. I never saw the OR (or even the recovery room...I woke up in the ICU). I have no idea what the temperature of the OR was, but I'm sure it was COLD. So get the scoop beforehand so you'll know what to expect. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 19, 2002
This is a question you absolutely have to ask your anesthesiologist when you see him/her for your pre-op appt. This varies so much from hospital to hospital. I had brain surgery in 1982 and I remember the warm blanket and being wheeled into the OR. When I had my RnY May 2nd, 2002, I was "out" before I even got out of the holding room. I never saw the OR (or even the recovery room...I woke up in the ICU). I have no idea what the temperature of the OR was, but I'm sure it was COLD. So get the scoop beforehand so you'll know what to expect. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 19, 2002
I was told you have to be awake "enough" to get yourself onto the operating table. I was woosy when taken in there, and all I remember was feeling the cold, and then moving onto the table. The nurse looked at me and said "your going to have a good sleep now" and that was all until I woke up on the way back to my room. Your only cold for a few moments.
   — candymom64

July 19, 2002
I am one week post-op and asked the anesthesiologist for some versed which helps to totally relax you. The last thing I remember is starting to be wheeled down to the OR. I couldn't tell you if the OR cold.
   — Joanie J.

July 19, 2002
It is pretty darn cold! I could be wrong but I think it may have something to do with cutting down on germs. The lady in the ER told me that when I was there last time.
   — Virginia N.

July 19, 2002
I agree. I swear they freeze that table before they stick it to your bottom! In my hospital, though, they do give you toasted blanket for breakfast, or 2 or 3 if you whine. Seems so unfair that you are so underdressed for the occasions and they're all so overdressed, covered from head to toe. Having been the table dancer several times AND the observer, I could not figure out the temp deal either. One wonders if it keeps the blood moving slowly? Fortunately, by the time I process it, I'm gone anyway.
   — vitalady

July 19, 2002
The reason for the coldness in the OR is that it helps keep the flow of blood down. Less chance of blood loss creates less chance of needing blood.
   — Martha P.

July 20, 2002
Well the staff has to wear masks gowns and such so colder must help keep them comfy too. I certinally want anyone messing with my insides as comfortable as possible...
   — bob-haller

July 20, 2002
Operating rooms are cold for the reasons of germs. The colder the room the less germs surface. I have helped out in surgery from time to time and the colder the better. It is hard on the staff because there are in the environment 8 to 12 hours a day. But, it is best for germs and bacteria.
   — Lisa V.

July 20, 2002
I WORKED IN ORS AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE REASON FOR COLD TEMP WAS TO KEEP THE GERMS DOWN. THAT IS JUST PLAN SILLY. I HAVE WORKED IN OR'S i FIND THAT THE TEMP IS FOR KEEPING THE STAFF THAT WORKS ON YOU AWAKE AND VIBRANT. OTHER WISE IF THE TEMP WAS WORM AND PEOPLE TEND TO GET SLEEPY. ESPECIALLY IF YOUR SITING IN A CHAIR FOR 4 HOURS MONITORING ANESTHIA ON SOMEONE. THEY NEED TO STAY ALERT.
   — sheri B.

July 20, 2002
Sheri, that isn't very nice to say someones answer was just plain silly. Your answer doesn't appear to be very credible given that you have misspelled at least 3 words, and have poor sentence structure. And please don't type in all caps, its rude, appears that you are yelling. From what I understand, there are several reasons for the cold temperature in the OR. One is to keep blood flow to a minimum, the second reason is to encourage sterilization (germs love the warm temps), and the third reason is for the machines used. There are several types of equipment that produce a lot of heat and need to operate in colder temperatures. They keep it cold in the CT room for the same reason. They also keep the laboratory cold for that reason.
   — Cheri M.

July 20, 2002
Hadiyah, I'm talking as a patient. My surgery was done 7/8/02. Maybe my hospital staff was especially nice, but they took me to OR in the 2 gown( one covering front, one covering back) arrangement that I initially had changed into. I had a warm blanket on me. Then I slid from rolling table to operating table with blanket still on. And in less than 2 mins. I was OUT! So cold wasn't a problem.
   — Kathe G.

July 20, 2002
My surgery was for 5am on a monday morning. When we arrived and I was being prepped, they came in and said that there was a problem with the AC in OR room. I didnt think too much about it, but the nurses were a bit frantic and called the maintenance man. I could tell from their reactions that this was not a good thing and Im thinking(scoffing) to myself how hot can it get in there its 5am for goodness sake. Then Dr Capps came in to talk to me and when he was told it was 70 degrees in there He said "well we arent doing this in that temp" I began to panic thinking they were going to cancel my surgery for another time, fortunately the maintenace man came and said some switch was off and it was cooling down. so my surgery didnt happen till around 7am. I asked the nurse what was the big deal and she said that with all the lights and equipment in there things get too warm for the surgens and it must remain cool because we didnt want sweat dripping down the surgens nose into my open belly. she also said it helped with keeping everything sanitary.
   — Lori H.

June 18, 2003
Original poster here: Now, I know why the OR stays COLD...I'm sorry Sheri, that you didn't know the answer to this pre-op question when I asked (despite the fact that you said you even WORKED in the O.R. and "NEVER heard of anything like that, and that my question was "just plain silly"). Dear heart, alkl you had to do was ask someone like I did when I asked this question. Anyway, my thoughts were right on the money!! As some of the previous posters mentioned, when the temperature is cool (I think it's cold, actually), it prevents less bacteria and germs to breed and come to surface or "to get busy". The warmer or hotter it is, the environment becomes humid and moist therefore giving a greater chance for germs to multiply or breed. Germs (bacteria) thrive off warm temperatured environments which can contribute, for the most part, to the possibility of the increased risk of infection. Like Lori Hemphill mentioned that she didn't want the surgeon's (or anyones' "sweat dripping in her belly". I could also keep the professional OR staff awake. I guess there are a variety of reasons up to and including the main one mentioned. LAP RNY 9/3/02 265/158/115-126...on a plateau, but those pounds left are GONE FOREVER!! Hadiyah McCutcheon, a.k.a.~~~
   — yourdivaness

June 18, 2003
Of course the spread of bacteria is the main concern but there is also equipment concern and comfort of medical personnel. From:tpub.com/corpsman/87.htm Operating rooms must have adequate air-conditioning equipment to maintain relative humidity and temperature within a constant range. The relative humidity should be kept at 55 to 60 percent. This level will reduce the possibility of electrostatic discharge and possible explosion of combustible gases. The temperature should be chosen on the basis of the well-being of the patient. The recommended temperature is between 65 E and 74 E F. The control of bacteria carried on dust particles is facilitated when the recommended humidity and temperature are maintained. says (I believe well-being means health, not comfort) For sterility, maintenance of equipment and comfort of the OR staff says: http://www.bidmc.harvard.edu/ambsurg/dayofsurg3.asp
   — susanje

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