What is the typical size of a surgical table and what are the parameters of the range of height settings on the table?
Surgical tables are designed for practical purposes as well as to be security to safely hold patients in the desired position while in surgery. There is some variation in different options of tables depending on the features offered in the table and the overall design. Most surgery tables will be 19 to 20 inches in width and from 79 to 83 inches in length. There are some tables that are designed to be wider to accommodate larger patients but these are usually only used in specialized operating theaters and practices, typically with bariatric patients.

Most tables will adjust to low ranges of 31 inches and higher elevations of up to 40 inches or more. Some tables have a variety of different ranges for other settings such as the Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions, lateral tilt, leg and back rest as well as the actual head rest, but this does not affect the overall height and positioning of the table.

What are the most important features for selecting surgical tables for smaller clinics where a variety of surgeons and medical staff will be working in the same operating suite?
In smaller clinical settings and hospitals the versatility of the surgical table is critical to avoid having to have numerous surgical suites and table options. In the situation where a variety of different procedures will be performed on one table choosing the model with the greatest flexibility is the most important. Look for tables that provide a split leg design that will accommodate a wider range of patient positioning without difficulty. In addition tables that have a maximum range of additional features or standard accessories that come with the table package can help to save money.

Look also for tables with at least a one year manufacturer's warranty on all parts. If you do want to customize the table with regards to features or upholstery colors it may be important to order ahead and you may have additional costs with upgrading or changing specific aspects of the table that have to be custom made.

What additional features typically come with a basic or more deluxe model of surgical table?
The standard accessories that come with a standard and deluxe type of surgical table will vary based on the manufacturer as well as the specific table type and package. Most of the universal tables will include components such as a head rest, two shoulder supports, two arm boards, two stirrups and two leg rests. Additional components may include lateral supports, anesthesia screens and additional clamps that are supplied with the table. Other tables may include fewer standard accessories which may need to be factored into the cost of purchasing a basic model over a deluxe or universal model of table. Shopping online and when surgical tables are on sale can also allow you to get more table for your budget.

What are the average specifications and measurements of operating tables, and is there any variation?
Various models and styles of operating tables will have different overall specifications and measurements. Typically most tables will be between 79 and 83 inches in length with widths of 19 to 20 inches or wider with specific types of surgical needs. Surgical tables can also range in specifications as to how high or low they can be elevated. Most will range between 31 and 41 inches, which provides enough range for most doctors and medical staff to be very comfortable even when performing longer duration surgical procedures.

Other specifications will also vary from table model to model. Some offer more or less range of motion in the Trendelenburg features, the lateral tilt, the back rest adjustment and the head section adjustment. Since there is a variation it is essential to consider the specifications of each table model as they related to your specific requirements for surgical procedures.

Are there a range of accessories that are standard with operating tables and does this vary by model and price?

As a general statement, the more expensive and state of the art that the operating table is, the more accessories are built in and come with the specific model. In addition there may also be a greater range of additional accessories that can be purchased separately. Typically, most operating tables will include a head rest, shoulder and arm supports, arm boards, stirrups and leg rests. Additional accessories on the more deluxe models can include clamps, lateral supports and anesthesia screens. Choosing an operating table that has the accessories that you need is a time and cost saving factor and also allows you to have all the equipment you need.

What are the typical features that are essential to consider when choosing operating tables for a general surgical theater?
Most medical facilities have several features that they have to consider when choosing surgical tables. The most important feature is usually the flexibility of the table to allow surgeons to complete a variety of procedures. This means that the table has a range of positioning and movement possibilities that don't limit the types of procedures that can be done using the table. The other major consideration for most facilities is the overall cost of the table. This is always a factor that is viewed in combination with the overall versatility of the table. A hospital or clinic may be able to get more for their budget by choosing a more expensive state of the art table that will allow a greater number of surgical procedures.

The specific operation of the table may also be an essential consideration. Some medical staff may prefer a manual hydraulic table over a electric table since the movement for the patient can be smoother and more easily controlled. Split leg design or single leg rest component is also an important factor if the table is to be used for a variety of different types of operations and medical procedures.

For smaller hospital facilities or for operating rooms that also may have to double as other patient care rooms, portable surgical tables are a great idea. These tables are designed to be easy to move, with large, heavy wheels that provide a smooth and vibration free movement, allowing staff to easily relocate and position the table. There is also a locking mechanism that secures these surgical tables into a stationary position, providing a very solid and secure table for both staff and patient. Generally the portable surgical tables will have the same features as a stationary table including the Trendelenburg positions, lateral tilt and even split leg options with a plus or minus 90 degree range of motion and positioning. However the portable tables may not have quite the height elevation adjustment to ensure a secure and stable base. Generally the height elevation on a portable surgical table will be between 28 and 35 inches, while on stationary surgical tables the elevation can adjust to 31 to 41 inches. How are surgical tables typically positioned and elevated? As with most types of medical equipment there are several different options for designs and mechanisms in surgical tables. One of the most common methods of moving the table up and down or elevating the table with or without the patient on the table is a manual hydraulic pump system. This type of system works similar to other hydraulic cylinders and provides a very smooth, even and non-jarring type of movement. The pressure in the hydraulic cylinder that causes the elevation or lowering of the table is controlled with a foot pedal, typically located under the head section of the table. This provides maximum control of the height positioning of the table, perfect for even a very fine adjustment to meet the staff's needs or to allow the table to be used with specific types of equipment. The hydraulic pump and cylinders are located within the central column of the table, protected from damage by the column itself. The movement of the various sections of the table including the leg section and the head section is usually controlled by a series of handles that are located on the sides of the tables. Like the hydraulic lifting system these adjustments work on a mechanical manual system, allowing for very detailed positioning and adjustments of the various parts of the table for patient comfort and surgical needs. What is the warranty on surgical tables? Surgical tables are often a very large expenditure and they are very durable and built to last. As with most types of medical equipment there are manufacturer's warranties on each table model with variations between brands and types. For most tables the manufacturer's warranty will cover the complete table from frame through to hydraulic pump and mechanical systems for up to one year. This is the same for both the stationary standard styles of surgical tables as well as the portable models.