The Role of Back Tables in Surgical Efficiency

Surgical efficiency is often defined by the ability to maximize time, resources, and outcomes, while minimizing unnecessary steps and potential complications during procedures. A key factor in achieving surgical efficiency is the team’s ability to perform procedures effectively and consistently, leading to positive patient outcomes. Factors such as equipment, workflow, the complexity of the case, and adherence to established surgical protocols all contribute to optimizing, or hindering, surgical efficiency and overall success. 

One major surgical efficiency obstacle is overcrowded operating rooms (ORs). As advancements in healthcare technology introduce more devices and equipment into the OR, the physical dimensions of these spaces remain unchanged. This overcrowded environment can disrupt the workflow of the surgical team, limit accessibility, and ultimately hinder operational efficiencies.

Choosing the right back table system is a crucial step toward improving OR efficiency. ORS’ two-tier back table system offers an innovative solution to streamline surgical workflows and expand work space. In this article, we’ll explore how our Double-decker back table can boost your surgical team’s productivity by improving organization, minimizing setup time, and optimizing floor space.

Understanding OR Back Tables

OR back tables, also known as instrument tables, are the essential platform for organizing and storing the tools needed for surgery. Covered with a sterile drape, they allow surgical technologists and nurses to quickly hand tools to the surgeon during the procedure. The back table setup is typically performed by a sterile individual, such as a surgical technologist or OR nurse, to ensure the surgical team has immediate access to the necessary tools.

Traditional OR back tables usually consist of a single, large surface where surgical instruments and tools are placed. These tables, such as those offered by Pedigo Products, are used in a variety of surgeries. Depending on the complexity of the case, a single back table may suffice, but in more complex surgeries, as many as three back tables and additional mayo stands may be needed to accommodate the instruments. This arrangement can lead to overcrowded ORs, restricting movement and decreasing surgical efficiency. To address these challenges, ORS developed the two-tier back table, an innovative solution designed to optimize space and improve the flow of surgical procedures. 

How a Two-Tier Back Table Improves Surgical Efficiency

The ORS Double-decker two-tier back table significantly enhances surgical efficiency by reducing set-up time in the operating room (OR). Its innovative two-tier design allows instruments to be organized on two levels, creating a structured, space-saving layout. This vertical stacking reduces the need to spread instruments out across a large surface area, enabling surgical teams to quickly locate and access necessary items. By optimizing organization, the Double-decker back table minimizes the time spent searching for tools, leading to faster and more efficient set-up prior to surgery. This streamlined workflow ultimately contributes to a smoother, quicker transition from patient prep to the start of the procedure.

The two-tier back table also optimizes floor space, which is often limited in the OR. By minimizing the need for extensive horizontal table space, the system frees up valuable real estate for other equipment and personnel, improving movement and accessibility. This efficient use of space is particularly crucial in high-volume surgical environments, where quick turnarounds between cases are essential. Moreover, by decreasing set-up time and optimizing space, the Double-decker back table can lead to cost savings during OR turnovers. The faster a room can be turned over for the next case, the fewer resources are tied up, and the more procedures can be scheduled. This can lead to overall operational efficiency and reduced costs associated with OR downtime.  

The Double-Decker Back Tables and Perfect Fit™ Drape

ORS Two-Tier Back Tables

ORS offers four models of two-tier back tables in three sizes: standard, lighted, manually adjustable, and electrically adjustable. Our Double-decker tables are designed with versatility in mind to meet the needs of all operating room sizes and surgical team requirements. Whether you’re working with a limited budget, handling high-volume surgeries, or managing multiple ORs, we have a Double-decker back table designed to optimize your surgical workflow.

  • Standard: A budget-friendly, streamlined two-tier back table, ideal for healthcare facilities seeking to upgrade their OR without impacting their bottom line.
  • Adjustable: Features a manually adjustable main table surface to improve staff comfort and flexibility.
  • Lighted: Includes an IEC 60601-1 and UL approved light to illuminate the main table surface, enhancing instrument visibility—perfect for surgeries in low-light conditions.
  • Electric Adjustable: Our top-of-the-line option with an electrically adjustable main table surface and built-in lighting, offering maximum comfort and visibility for surgical staff during procedures.

Perfect Fit™ Drape

ORS designed the Perfect Fit™ Drape to address several common challenges associated with draping two-tier tables:

  • Difficult and time-consuming process of draping a two-tier table while maintaining sterility.
  • Insufficient lighting on the main table surface when draped.
  • The need for double draping to prevent tears in the sterile field.

The Perfect Fit™ Drape is specifically tailored for our Double-decker back tables, making it easy to drape efficiently without sagging or compromising sterility—helping to meet Joint Commission standards. To assist in the draping process, we’ve included step-by-step instructional stickers and educational videos, available here.

Our blue disposable two-tier table drapes feature a clear plastic barrier beneath the upper shelf, improving visibility of the main table surface. The heavy-duty three-layer laminate design offers exceptional durability, tear and puncture resistance, and superior absorbency—ensuring a premium barrier for your surgical environment

Boost OR Productivity with ORS Two-Tier Back Tables and Drape System

In conclusion, the ORS two-tier back tables and Perfect Fit™ Drapes are designed to enhance surgical efficiency by optimizing space, improving workflow, and reducing setup time. The Perfect Fit™ Drape ensures easy draping while maintaining sterility, contributing to faster turnovers and a more organized surgical setting. With options to suit various needs—from budget-friendly models to light and adjustable tables—ORS provides a solution to help streamline the OR environment. Investing in ORS’ products helps improve both staff productivity and patient care.