OPERATING THEATRES ARTICLES

Following concerns over infections arising from the use of ultrasound probes, there has been an increased focus on disinfection methods. A study, by the University of New South Wales, has investigated the efficacy of UVC high-level disinfection in reducing contamination.

Walter Danker & Gerard Llanos discuss the burden of surgical bleeding, the importance of haemostatic agents and how management of surgical bleeding can be improved.

Despite the well-documented relationship between microbiological air quality and deep infection rates in joint replacement surgery, routine monitoring of operating theatres during use is still not standard practice. Wan Li Low provides an insight into a pilot study and national audit on air quality in operating theatres, and considers the best approach to drive improvement.

What will the future hold for robotic-assisted surgery; how is the robotic landscape evolving; and what technologies are coming to the fore? CSJ takes a look at current trends and some of the latest developments in the sector.

From advances in robot-assisted surgery, to artificial intelligence, the future of surgery is rapidly evolving. The latest innovations will be highlighted at this year’s Future Surgery event – alongside discussion of the latest trends and issues that are set to shape the direction of the surgical profession.

Ageing surgical equipment, particularly operating tables, can greatly affect medical outcomes, warns Sam Parry. This article discusses the importance of modernising equipment in the operating theatre and how this can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of downtime.

The Stokes Centre of Urology team at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is breaking records and breaking new ground in prostate cancer surgery. Wissam Abou-Chedid, a Consultant Surgeon at the Trust, and a Prostate Cancer UK Clinical Champion, speaks to CSJ about the potential impact these advances could have if adopted across the UK.

The foundation of efficient and safe working in operating theatres is effective team working. Dora Bilan highlights the need to support each other to achieve success – focusing on staff wellbeing and mental health.

The Institute for Government & Public Policy’s Operating Theatres Show is gaining a reputation as an inspirational and empowering event offering solutions to the critical problems currently facing operating theatres and NHS staff. CSJ provides an insight into the key issues that will be high on the agenda.

Three new orthopaedic operating theatres built at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge by MTX using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are playing a leading role in a national scheme to deliver more than 50 new surgical hubs across England.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses the ongoing debate around the roles of Physician and Anaesthesia Associates, in the lead up to the GMC’s plans for regulation.

Future Surgery recently cast a light on bullying, discrimination, and sexual misconduct in the NHS, and discussed the efforts required to foster an inclusive culture to support staff wellbeing. Louise Frampton reports.