Sterilization Of Operation Theatre Using Fumigation Procedure

 Sterilization of Operation Theatre :

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the second most common cause of hospital acquired infections. These complications of surgical procedures cause considerable morbidity and, when these occur deep at the site of the procedure, can lead to mortality as high . The source of SSIs may be endogenous or exogenous,which includes surgical personnel (especially members of the surgical team), the operating room environment (including air), and tools, instruments, and materials brought to the sterile field during an operation. By maintaining sterile environment in operation theatre can control major part of exogenous infections. Operation Theatre Sterilization mainly by Fumigation

Fumigation Procedure:

To sterilize the operation theatre formaldehyde gas (bactericidal & sporicidal) is widely employed for fumigation. Formoldehyde kills the microbes by alkylating the amino acids and sulfydral group of proteins and purine bases.

1.  Thoroughly clean windows, doors, floor, walls and all washable equipments with soap and water.

Close windows and ventilators tightly. If any openings found seal it with cellophane tape or other material.

Switch off all lights, A/C and other electrical & electronical items

2.  Calculate the room size in cubic feet (L×B×H) and calculate the required amount of formaldehyde .

3.  Adequate care must be taken by wearing cap, mask, foot cover, spectacle ect.

4.  Formaldehyde is irritant to eye & nose; and it has been recognized as a potential carcinogen.So the fumigating employee must be provided with the personal protective equipments.

5.  Electric Boiler Fumigation Method: For Each 1000 cu.ft 500ml of formaldehyde (40% solution) added in 1000ml of water in an electric boiler. Switch on the boiler, leave the room and seal the door. After 45 minutes (variable depending to volume present in the boils apparatus) switch off the boiler without entering in to the room (Switch off the main from outside).Or

Potassium Permanganate Method: For every 1000 cubic feet add 450gm of Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) to 500 ml of formaldehyde (40% solution). Take about 5 to 8 bowels (heat resistant; place it in various locations) with equally divided parts of formaldehyde and add equally divided KMnO4 to each bowel. This will cause auto boiling and generate fume.

6.  After the initiation of formaldehyde vapor, immediately leave the room and seal it for at least 48 hours.

7.  After the fumigation process neutralize the formaldehyde vapor with ammonia solution. On inspection (or Surgery) day enter the operation theatre and150 ml of 10% ammonia (for 500ml of formaldehyde used, i.e., for 1000 cu. ft).Place the ammonia solution in the center of the room and leave it for 3 hours to neutralize the formalin vapor.

Operation theatre should be cleaned and fumigated once a month periodically.