Types of OT Table and Uses Explained: Hydraulic vs Electro-Hydraulic vs Electric

What Is an OT Table - and Why Its Type Matters

An OT table is the central platform for surgery. It supports the patient, allows adjustments (height, tilt, orientation), and ensures stability throughout procedures. Modern OT tables are engineered for adjustability, sterilizability, compatibility with imaging (e.g. C-arm), and diverse patient positioning depending on the surgery type.

As surgical techniques evolved - from general surgeries to specialized procedures (orthopaedic, neuro, cardiac, minimally invasive) - the need for precise positioning, smooth adjustments, and operator comfort increased. Hence, the variety of OT tables: from basic hydraulic to high-end electric / electro-hydraulic tables.

Selecting the right type ensures:

• Proper patient positioning and surgical access
• Safety during long procedures (especially with heavy patients or complex surgeries)
• Ease of use for the surgical team (less physical strain, quicker adjustments)
• Compatibility with imaging and other modern OT equipment

Types of OT Tables: Overview

Below is the breakdown of the three main types of OT tables:

Hydraulic OT Tables

How they work:
Hydraulic OT tables operate via a manual hydraulic pumping system, usually controlled by foot pedals. No electricity is required.

Why they exist:

• Simple design with fewer components - less chance of technical failure
• Cost-efficient - typically lower upfront cost
• Reliable even in environments with unreliable power supply or frequent power cuts
• Can handle substantial patient weight due to robust mechanical design
• Best for:

• Basic general surgeries
• Gynecology / obstetrics
• Minor orthopedic procedures
• Emergency surgeries especially in smaller hospitals or clinics

Limitations:

• Adjustments (height, tilt) must be manual → slower, less precise positioning
• Lacks advanced features like memory positioning, motorized sliders, or imaging-compatibility (C-arm support) in many cases
• Manual operation can lead to staff fatigue during long surgeries

When to choose Hydraulic:
If you operate in a facility where power supply is a concern, or budget is limited, and you mostly handle basic / general surgeries, hydraulic OT tables remain a reliable and practical choice.

Electro-Hydraulic OT Tables

How they work:
These tables combine hydraulic mechanisms with electric power to drive the hydraulics - giving motorized hydraulic adjustments instead of manual pumping. Adjustments are controlled via remote or hand control.

Why they exist:
Electro-hydraulic tables bridge the gap between manual hydraulic tables and fully electric tables: they give the load-bearing strength and stability of hydraulics, combined with ease and precision of electric control.

Best for:

• Complex and longer-duration surgeries (orthopaedic, neurosurgery, urology, cardiothoracic) where frequent positional changes may be needed
• High-volume surgical units and multi-specialty hospitals
• Situations requiring frequent repositioning of patient (tilt, lateral, Trendelenburg, longitudinal slide)

Advantages:

• Smooth, precise, and motorized adjustments reduce manual effort and improve ergonomics
• Improved stability under load - good for heavier patients or complex positioning
• Often compatible with imaging (C-arm), radiolucent tabletops, modular top sections for specialty surgeries
• Faster turnover between surgeries due to easier adjustments and modular design Limitations:

• More expensive than pure hydraulic tables
• Dependence on electricity; power backups may be needed for critical surgeries
• Maintenance is more involved - combines hydraulic and electrical systems

When to choose Electro-Hydraulic:
If your hospital or clinic performs a wide range of surgeries - especially complex or specialty procedures - and you value operational flexibility, patient and surgeon comfort, and faster OT turnover, then electro-hydraulic OT tables are ideal.

Electric OT Tables

How they work:
These tables rely entirely on electric actuators and motors for height, tilt, slide, and positioning adjustments, typically controlled via digital panel or remote.

Why they exist:
Modern surgical techniques often demand high precision, quick adjustments, repeatability, and integration with imaging or robotic systems - electric OT tables deliver on all fronts.

Best for:

• Laparoscopic surgery
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Image-guided surgeries (C-arm, fluoroscopy)
• Robotic-assisted surgery
• High-tech advanced OT suites in tertiary care hospitals

Advantages:

• Very high precision and smoothness in movements and positioning
• Programmable positions - useful in repeated procedures or workflows requiring standardised patient positioning
• Seamless integration with imaging systems due to radiolucent tabletops / modular design (in many models)
• Reduced physical strain on staff; faster setup and transitions between surgeries

Limitations:

• High upfront cost - premium investment
• Dependence on stable electricity - requires backup in case of power failure
• Maintenance cost and complexity - motors, electronics require periodic service

When to choose Electric:
If your facility runs advanced surgeries, needs frequent repositioning, imaging integration, or you aim for high efficiency and surgeon comfort - electric OT tables represent the premium, future-ready option.

Quick Comparison: Hydraulic vs Electro-Hydraulic vs Electric OT Tables

How to Choose the Right OT Table for Your Facility

Selecting an OT table should depend on your surgical volume, case mix, infrastructure, budget, and long-term goals. Here are some guidelines:

• For small clinics or hospitals with limited budget & power supply constraints → Hydraulic OT table is practical and reliable.
• For multi-specialty hospitals performing a variety of surgeries (general + orthopaedic + urology etc.) → Electro-Hydraulic table offers best balance of precision, versatility, and cost.
• For high-tech surgical centers focused on minimally invasive, imaging-guided or robotic surgeries → Electric OT table is worth the investment for precision, speed, and future-readiness.
• Always check table load capacity, tilt & adjustment range, modular tabletop or accessory availability, and compatibility with imaging / C-arm if required.
• Consider after-sales service, maintenance, and power reliability (backup power / UPS) when opting for electric or electro-hydraulic tables.

Why Aarogyaa Bharat Recommends Electro-Hydraulic & Electric OT Tables

At Aarogyaa Bharat, we believe in offering advanced, durable, and future-ready OT equipment for hospitals and surgical centers. Here’s why we emphasize electro-hydraulic and electric tables:

• They provide precision and flexibility needed for modern surgical workflows - from orthopedics to minimal invasive and imaging-assisted procedures.
• Motorized controls and programmable positioning reduce surgeon fatigue and setup time - enabling higher surgical throughput with safety and comfort.
• Modular design and imaging compatibility ensure the equipment stays relevant as your hospital grows in case mix and technology.
• While initial investments are higher, long-term reliability, reduced manual effort, and enhanced safety deliver better returns and improved patient outcomes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. What is an OT table and why is it important?
An OT (Operating Theatre) table is the surgical table used to position the patient during surgery. It provides a stable base, adjustable height/tilt/position, and supports patient safety, surgeon ergonomics, and surgical precision.

Q. Can a hydraulic OT table handle heavy patients or bariatric cases?
Yes. Hydraulic tables are robust, designed to support substantial patient weight, and their mechanical design often handles load better than some lighter electric tables.

Q. Which OT table type is best for modern minimally invasive surgeries?
Electric OT tables are the best for minimally invasive procedures, imaging-assisted surgeries, and workflows requiring frequent or precise positional adjustments.

Q. Is maintaining an electro-hydraulic or electric OT table difficult?
Maintenance is more involved compared to hydraulic tables because of the electrical components and actuators. But with regular servicing and proper care, modern OT tables offer long-term reliability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right OT table is a critical decision that affects surgical efficiency, patient safety, and long-term value of your operating room setup. While hydraulic OT tables serve well for basic and general surgeries - especially in resource-constrained settings - electro-hydraulic and electric OT tables bring unsurpassed precision, flexibility, and future-readiness for modern hospitals.

At Aarogyaa Bharat, we recommend evaluating your case mix, surgical volume, infrastructure, and future plans, then opting for the OT table type that best aligns with your needs. Investing smartly in the right OT table today can elevate your surgical capabilities and deliver safer, more efficient care tomorrow.