The present disclosure describes an operating table with an operating table column and a patient bearing surface arranged on the operating table column, wherein the operating table column comprises a column cladding with at least two rigid components arranged one above the other. The operating table column is designed and configured so that all movable parts of the operating table running inside the operating table column are completely covered laterally. An intermediate space extends from the upper edge of the two components of the column cladding arranged one above the other as far as the patient bearing surface, the intermediate space being a bellows-free space.