List of surgical procedures
List of Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures are medical interventions involving an incision with instruments, performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body. They are categorized by urgency, type of procedure, body system involved, degree of invasiveness, and special instrumentation.
Types of Surgical Procedures[edit | edit source]
Surgical procedures can be broadly classified into several categories:
- Elective Surgery: Performed by choice to improve quality of life.
- Emergency Surgery: Required for urgent medical conditions.
- Cosmetic Surgery: Aimed at enhancing appearance.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Restores appearance or function due to trauma, disease, or congenital defects.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Involves smaller incisions, aimed at reducing recovery time.
- Robotic Surgery: Uses robotic systems to aid in precision, control, and flexibility during the operation.
Common Surgical Procedures[edit | edit source]
- Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix.
- Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder.
- Cesarean Section (C-Section): Delivery of a baby through a cut in the abdomen and uterus.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.
- Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely.
- Heart Bypass Surgery: Creates a new route, or "bypass," for blood and oxygen to reach the heart.
- Hip Replacement: Replacing a hip joint with a prosthetic implant.
- Knee Replacement: Replacing the knee joint with a prosthetic implant.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive diagnostic surgical procedure used to examine organs inside the abdomen.
- Laminectomy: Removal of a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina.
Surgical Specialties[edit | edit source]
The field of surgery is divided into several specialties, with surgeons often focusing on specific areas:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: Pertains to the heart and chest.
- Neurosurgery: Involves the brain and nervous system.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Focuses on bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Plastic Surgery: Concerned with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects.
- General Surgery: Encompasses a wide range of types of surgery on almost any area of the body.
- Vascular Surgery: Involves the surgical treatment of diseases of the vascular system.
Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. The specific risks associated with a surgery depend on the type of procedure and the patient's overall health.
Recovery[edit | edit source]
Recovery from surgery varies greatly among patients and the type of procedure performed. Post-operative care is crucial for recovery, involving follow-up appointments, medication management, and sometimes physical therapy.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Surgical procedures are a vital component of healthcare, offering life-saving and life-improving options for many conditions. Advances in surgical techniques continue to improve outcomes and reduce recovery times for patients.
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD