US Medical Term · emergency
Operating Room
Quirófano
Also: Sala de operaciones (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Operating Room |
| Spanish (Español) | Quirófano |
| Chinese (中文) | 手術室 |
| Korean (한국어) | 수술실 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phòng mổ |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Operating room |
| Portuguese (Português) | Sala de cirurgia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ห้องผ่าตัด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 手術室 |
What it means
The operating room (OR) is a sterile room in a hospital where surgeries are performed by surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technicians. Before going to the OR, you will sign a consent form and meet the anesthesiologist. You will be put under anesthesia (general or regional) so you do not feel pain. The OR is kept extremely clean to prevent infection, and only authorized personnel may enter. After surgery, you are moved to the recovery room (PACU) until you wake up. In emergencies, surgery may begin very quickly. It is normal to feel anxious; ask questions about the procedure and anesthesia beforehand.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My husband is in the operating room for emergency surgery right now.
Mi esposo está en el quirófano para una cirugía de emergencia en este momento.
How long will the operation take in the operating room?
¿Cuánto tiempo durará la operación en el quirófano?
Can I see her before she goes into the operating room?
¿Puedo verla antes de que entre al quirófano?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026