[Operating rooms during the second half of the 20th century and its change with surgical advances].

Hist Sci Med 45(2):187-95 (2011) PMID 21936219

With the rise of new specialities after the World War, the number of OP rooms increases. They became gathered on the basement of buildings near the central sterilisation. To enter the OP room, everyone passes through the dressing "sas". "Slippers", uniforms, gloves and many supplies are now for single-use. Electrified operating tables with their own accessories became very useful. Air conditioning is appreciated too in our countries. The operating microscope for ORL, ophthalmology and neurosurgery is used by every one. In cardiology the coronary revascularisation being common stuff, cardiac transplantation (1967) and open-heart surgery received special attention. Vascular surgeons are dedicated to arteritiden, implants, and aortic aneurysms. Urology is focused on renal transplants (since 1959), and more recently on lithotrity and coelioscopic prostatectomy. The coeliosurgery conquered the abdominal pathology and the endoscopic techniques became current. In neurosurgery, stereotaxy to treat parkinson's disease is not used so often since Levodopa exists. But it is still useful to implant brain-stimulating electrodes for refractory parkinson's cases, some other dyskinesias, mental troubles or epilepsies. The neuronavigation brought new possibilities. At century's end, ambulatory surgery reduces surgical costs. Bigger and multidisciplinary theatres are now preferred. The open-heart surgery assisted by computer and robotics is evolving. Finally, we recall OP room accidents, which are not directly dealing with the operation.