Operating Rooms, Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

The Operating Rooms, Anesthesia, and Pain Medicine Wing encompasses 39 operating theatres, a dedicated anaesthesia department, pain management services, a nursing division, sterile supplies, and a cutting-edge 3D laboratory.

In our wing, we perform a wide range of surgeries, including some unique procedures that are exclusive to Sheba, like finger transplants, special blood vessel surgeries, and up to 3 transplants in a single night.

The patient experience

We know that the thought of surgery can be a bit daunting and worrying.  So, until the patient drifts off to sleep, we're here to offer support and ease their fears. A cosy blanket, a gentle change of position, a warm hug, a friendly reach-out, or even a reassuring look can make all the difference.  We understand that everyone is different - some prefer a noisy environment, others seek silence, some need attention, and there are those who just want to be left alone. It's important for us to identify these different needs and to provide for them.

Dr. Orkin, Director of the Operating Room department: "Fasting is essential before surgery, but there isn’t a day that goes by without me offering someone a sip of water or tea if I think it’ll help them. I’m a big believer in personalised medicine - to me, there’s simply no other way."

Accuracy test

An operating room is a bit like an orchestra - for the surgery to go smoothly, ever team member needs to play their part perfectly and on time. Even a tiny slip-up can delay or cancel surgeries. Any hiccup can delay surgeries or cancel them. To ensure success, it's crucial to pair the right team with the procedure, secure an available room, and ensure all equipment is ready. Any mistake or inaccuracy, even a small delay of a cleaner or sanitary worker, could lead to cancelling an operation.

Thanks to the coordination, teamwork, accuracy and punctuality, the operating room utilisation rate at Sheba reaches an impressive 92%. This means that scheduled surgeries are very likely to go ahead and be carried out on time.

Are family members allowed to accompany their loved ones to the operating room?

In the mornings, it's not possible to enter the reception due to it being very busy, which doesn't allow for private conversations with the patient. After the first group of patients has been taken for surgery, the family can then be admitted.

In the operating room, we make exceptions for two situations: when children are undergoing surgery, they can choose one parent to accompany them; and in the case of our older patients, a son or daughter is welcome to stay by their parent's side until the anaesthesia wears off.

What are the factors that can extend the duration of a surgical procedure?

First off, there's a chance the operation might not have started yet, even if the patient has been admitted to the operating room complex. It's good to keep in mind that there are 5 steps on the journey to surgery: entering the complex, stepping into the operating room, the start of surgery, moving to recovery, and then finally leaving recovery. Family members will get updates via SMS about which stage the patient is at.

Second, the duration of the surgery may vary depending on the circumstances. It can take longer than expected if, for example, additional findings are discovered during the surgery. In any case, if you didn't get an update during the operation, it usually means everything is going well.

Can I go into the recovery room?

Unfortunately, due to congestion, access to the recovery room is limited. However, entry is permitted for patients who are staying overnight to recover.