Urology Operating Room Tables: Selection Guide

Positions needed in urology

Endoscopic procedures such as cystoscopy, TURP and ureteroscopy use the lithotomy position, with leg holders and sometimes a Trendelenburg tilt. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy may use prone, prone-flexed or supine positions, and open or laparoscopic kidney surgery uses a lateral position with kidney elevation or table flex. A urology table must therefore combine reliable lithotomy support with flex and lateral tilt.

Plan the sequence with the surgical and anaesthetic teams. A urology list often alternates between lithotomy and supine positions, and every change adds time and risk. Check that the leg sections move independently, that the leg holders can be adjusted without tools and that the table can return to a flat position quickly if the anaesthetist needs it.

For a general overview, see our guide to operating table positions.

X-ray and fluoroscopy access on a urology surgical table

Fluoroscopy is used throughout stone and endoscopic work, so the table should offer a clear imaging window, a slim base and a longitudinal slide. Smarter Practico has a low base with 360-degree C-arm access and a 390 mm longitudinal slide; Grand Promerix has a slim base with improved C-arm access and a 410 mm top shift. Rapido has X-ray cassette rails and quick C-arm access.

Ask whether any metal elements remain in the imaging area and whether the accessory rails interfere with the beam. Our C-arm table guide explains these checks.

Cystoscopy table and endoscopic requirements

A cystoscopy table is often used in day surgery. Low weight, ease of movement and fast changeover matter. Rapido combines pre-induction, transport, operation and recovery in one hydraulic table, with a Standard model suited to gynaecology and urology and foot-pedal height adjustment. Scandia Prime is designed with day surgery in mind and offers programmable memory positions.

Fluid handling is another consideration. Irrigation fluids spill during endoscopic work, so look for seamless surfaces, a base cover that avoids fluid retention and mattresses with wipe-clean covers. Scandia Prime has a frame built to avoid fluid retention and a seamless one-piece base cover.

Load, tilt and stability

Also consider the weight of accessories and the stability of the table when fully loaded with leg holders, since these add leverage at the ends of the table.

Patients undergoing urological procedures vary widely in weight, and steep positions put extra stress on the table. Check the safe working load in the actual positions: Smarter Practico lists 280 kg in all directions including slide, Grand Promerix 275 kg, and Scandia Prime 250 kg. Review angle ranges for Trendelenburg and lateral tilt, and look for smooth, controllable movement. Our weight capacity guide explains the difference between safe working load and lifting capacity.

Common mistakes in urology theatres

Small details cause most delays on a urology list. Watch for the following.

When you compare tables, ask the supplier to show the actual lithotomy set-up with leg holders fitted and the C-arm in place, rather than relying on photographs.

• Letting irrigation fluid collect under the pad or in seams
• Assuming the imaging window is clear without testing the C-arm
• Using leg holders that do not match the rail profile
• Choosing a table for the heaviest case only and ignoring turnover

Choosing a urology table and next steps

Match the table to your case mix. For high-volume endoscopic lists, a day-surgery table with fast changeover is attractive; for combined open, laparoscopic and percutaneous work, an electric table with flex and slide gives more freedom. Review the Grand Promerix and Smarter Practico pages for details.

Beckfinity's specialists can propose a configuration with the right accessories and arrange a demonstration. Request a quote or consultation.