An operation theatre (OT) is the heart of any hospital where critical procedures take place. And at the center of every successful surgery is one crucial piece of equipment—the Operation Theatre Table.
Choosing the right OT table is not just a technical decision. It directly affects surgical efficiency, patient safety, surgeon comfort, and even long-term cost savings. Whether you’re setting up a new surgical facility or upgrading an existing one, this guide will help you understand what to consider when selecting an OT table that matches your hospital’s needs.
Let’s walk through the most important factors to make an informed and confident choice.
- Understand Your Hospital’s Surgical Needs
Before looking at specifications, ask yourself:
What kind of surgeries are performed in your hospital most frequently?
- General surgery
- Orthopedic
- Neurosurgery
- Gynecology
- Urology
- Cardiothoracic
Each specialty may require specific positions, movements, or accessories. For example, orthopedic surgeries need traction attachments, while neurosurgery requires stable headrests and high precision.
If your hospital handles a wide variety of surgeries, consider investing in a versatile OT table that supports multiple disciplines.
- Choose Between Manual, Hydraulic, or Electric OT Tables
The type of mechanism matters when it comes to daily use and surgeon convenience.
Manual Tables
These are adjusted using levers or cranks. They are cost-effective and reliable but may lack advanced positioning options.
Hydraulic Tables
Hydraulic tables use a foot or hand pump for smooth vertical movements. They are easier to use than manual ones and offer decent flexibility.
Electric OT Tables
These are the most advanced and operate through remote controls. Surgeons can easily change positions during surgery, even with minimal staff. These are ideal for super-specialty and high-volume hospitals.
If your budget allows, electric tables offer the most precision, comfort, and efficiency.
- Check for Positioning Flexibility
A good OT table should support various surgical positions such as:
- Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg
- Lateral tilt
- Lithotomy position
- Flex and reflex positions
- Chair position
Having these functions ensures that your table can meet the positioning requirements of complex procedures. Surgeons work for hours during surgery, and their ability to maneuver the table easily impacts both focus and outcomes.
- Tabletop Material and Durability
The OT table’s surface should be:
- Corrosion-resistant
- Radiolucent (for C-arm or X-ray compatibility)
- Easy to clean and disinfect
Stainless steel frames and antimicrobial coatings are preferred. For surgeries involving imaging, a radiolucent tabletop helps with seamless scanning without moving the patient.
Shree Hospital Equipment offers OT tables with high-quality materials that ensure long life, hygiene, and safe usage.
- Weight Capacity and Stability
Patients come in all sizes, and so should your OT table. A reliable table should support a wide weight range (usually 180 kg to 300 kg or more) without compromising on stability or safety.
Look for features such as:
- Anti-skid base
- Locking castors
- Wide base for support
- Safe working load certification
An unstable OT table not only risks patient safety but also puts your surgical team in a difficult position during critical procedures
- Compatibility with Surgical Accessories
Many surgeries require extra attachments like:
- Arm boards
- Leg holders
- Anaesthesia screens
- Headrests
- Traction kits
Your OT table should have modular fittings to allow seamless integration of these accessories. This helps in customizing the table setup quickly between surgeries and improving efficiency in high-turnover OTs.
- Ease of Mobility and Maintenance
If your hospital has limited OT space or requires frequent cleaning, a mobile OT table with easy-rolling wheels and lockable castors is ideal. Maintenance should be simple and parts like cushions and levers should be easy to replace.
Avoid overly complex systems unless your hospital has an in-house biomedical team to manage repairs.
- Choose a Trusted Manufacturer
This is a key point that many overlook. A poor-quality OT table from an unknown supplier may look attractive due to its lower price—but can lead to discomfort, technical failure, and risk during surgery.
Shree Hospital Equipment, one of the leading OT table manufacturers in India, offers:
- ISO-certified, CE-marked OT tables
- Customizable models (manual, hydraulic, electric)
- After-sales support and servicing
- Trusted by top hospitals across India
- 100% made in India, built for Indian healthcare needs
Investing in a reputable brand means peace of mind, better build quality, and long-term performance
- Budget Considerations
Your budget plays an important role, especially if you’re setting up a multi-table operation theatre.
Here’s how you can optimize:
- For primary health centers or rural hospitals, manual tables offer great value.
- For district or private hospitals, hydraulic models are a good middle-ground.
- For multi-specialty hospitals, electric tables offer the best features for long-term return on investment.
Choose based on your use-case and frequency of surgeries. You don’t need the most expensive model—you need the most appropriate one.
- Think Long-Term: Safety, Service, and Support
An OT table is a long-term investment. Don’t just look at the purchase price—consider:
- How often it needs servicing
- Are spare parts easily available?
- Does the manufacturer offer warranty support?
- Will it stay compatible with future OT upgrades?
When you choose a table from Shree Hospital Equipment, you get:
- Quick technical assistance
- Installation and demo support
- Maintenance guidance
- Extended warranty options
This reduces downtime and avoids surgery delays due to equipment malfunction.
Final Thoughts
An Operation Theatre Table is not just another piece of equipment. It is the foundation of every surgical procedure in your hospital.
Choosing the right one can lead to:
- Safer surgeries
- Better outcomes
- Improved surgeon satisfaction
- Faster patient recovery
- Long-term savings on repairs or replacements
Take the time to evaluate your needs, explore options, and consult with experts before making your decision.
Need Help Choosing the Right OT Table?
Let Shree Hospital Equipment guide you.
? Call: +91-8380001702
? Email: sale@shriequipment.com
? Website: www.shriequipment.com
? Location: Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India
From basic models to advanced electric OT tables, they provide high-quality, made-in-India solutions tailored for your hospital’s success.
Make the right choice—because every surgery deserves a stable start.