In the hospital's 36 operating theatres, the traditional fluorescent lighting is being replaced with an innovative ergonomic lighting solution, specifically designed for modern surgery.
Soon, surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists at one of Stockholm's largest and newest hospitals will be able to perform surgeries under evidence-based ergonomic lighting, tailored to their needs, which is a necessity in the field. Despite many surgeries transitioning from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery like keyhole surgery, not all hospitals have kept up with the development of lighting.
— There is still bright white light in several operating theatres today, and while this type of lighting is ideal for open surgery, the need is completely different during minimally invasive surgery, where the work is done via screens. This is the problem that ergonomic lighting helps to solve, says Greger Johansson, Senior Sales and Relations Manager at Chromaviso.
Bright light often becomes a disruptive factor during keyhole surgery, which is why it is common to dim or turn off the lights during these types of operations, he explains.
— This approach is simply done to avoid reflections and disturbances in the screen image and to prevent eye strain. However, this method is not suitable for either surgeons or other staff in the operating theatre, all of whom require light to perform their work effectively.
Toned white light provides ergonomic benefits
Therefore, the evidence-based ergonomic lighting, known as Chroma Zona, consists of various settings that are tailored for before, during and after surgery, as well as the different lighting needs of the staff.
— During both the patient's preparation for surgery and their awakening, there is warm and pleasant lighting in the room, creating a reassuring atmosphere for the patient while also providing light for the staff. However, during the actual surgery, the setting changes to a special combination of red and green light, explains Greger Johansson and continues:
— At first glance, the ergonomic lighting may seem to consist only of green and red lights, but in reality, it is a combination of various colors that together provide the ergonomic and physiological effect. We often refer to this type of lighting as toned white light rather than monochromatic colored light. This not only ensures better color rendering, which is but is essential in an operating theatre.
However, it is not just the composition of the light that is strategically thought out - the placement of the light in the operating theatre also has a significant impact on the surgeon's work.
— When green light is placed behind the screen and red light is placed in the operating theatre behind the surgeon, the contrasts on the screen become sharper. While the green light has a relaxing effect on the eyes and body, the red light minimizes reflections and glare in the image. Working together, this lighting ensures a high quality of operations while also creating a healthier work environment for surgeons and assisting staff, he explains.
From 1 to 36 operating theatres
The hospital staff has already had the opportunity to work with the lighting, as it has been implemented in one operating theatre for some time - and now the concept is set to expand.
—The decision has now been made to expand the solution to include all 36 operating theatres, declares Greger Johansson, concluding:
— This decision exemplifies the crucial role that proper lighting plays in creating a conducive work environment and promoting well-being.
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