Operating room architecture in otolaryngology and extracranial surgery: A review

Abstract

To determine the best architectural plan for the extracranial and otolaryngology operating room, we queried PubMed and the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, Art Full Text, and Art Index Retrospective. for the key words "architecture," "operating room," and "otolaryngology." No relevant articles were found between 1989 and 2023. We created schematic diagrams of operating rooms in which we have operated over our combined careers and present the safest and most efficient configuration of the extracranial and otolaryngology surgery operating room. The architecture and medical literature have no recommendations for design and architectural details relevant to the extracranial operating room. Our specialty may wish to be proactive about this area of importance to our specialty. The medical, art, architecture literature offers no guidance for the optimal design and architectural layout of the extracranial operating room. Details to consider in such planning include patient and staff safety, anticipated patient and staff movement, OR efficiency, equipment size, placement and movement, line, and cord placement, and finally supply access. The authors suggest a configuration for the design and architectural layout for the extracranial surgery operating room.