(57) A hydraulic operating system and controls therefor are disclosed in the environment of a surgical and/or examination table (1) for operating a plurality of cylinder/piston units or rams (14-18) in a coordinated arrangement including a multi-port valve device (60) connected to the units for selecting and controlling pressurization thereof. A rotary piston, hydraulic pump (130) is arranged to supply fluid pressure to the valve device (60) as a unidirectional, non-reversible flow thereby presenting efficient and safe operation to the environment in which it is used. For use with a surgical/examination table (1), a hydraulic foot operated system is disclosed which provides pressure and controls the elevation of the table (1) and which raises and lowers the base (2) for the table (1) while minimizing the prospects of undue rocking when the base (2) is brought to rest upon the floor of use. To add to the efficiency of the table (1), a novel pivotal arrangement is disclosed for an accessory rail system (250-255) which cooperates with the pivotal connections (258-260) for the table top sections (5-7) of the table (1) to provide a continuous unbroken rail surface for the efficient use and movement of medical accessories.