Suction Systems in the Operating Room

Suction systems play a crucial role in the operating room, for both the anaesthesia and surgical teams. It’s primary function is to remove fluid and particulate debris—like mucus, saliva, blood, or secretions—from a person’s body cavity. This can be a therapeutic procedure itself, or as an aid to help visualisation during a medical procedure. This chapter will aim to present the broad types of suction systems in use in the operating room, and principles behind their utilization.