Surgery Classifications Overview

Study Notes

Classifications of Surgery

Surgery is classified based on seriousness, urgency, and purpose; some procedures may fit multiple classifications.
Classification influences the level of care required for the patient.

Classification: Seriousness

Major surgeries involve extensive reconstruction, posing higher risks; examples include coronary artery bypass and lung lobe resection.
Minor surgeries entail minimal alterations with lower risks, often correcting deformities; examples include cataract extraction and tooth extraction.

Classification: Urgency

Elective surgeries are based on patient choice, not immediately necessary; examples include hernia repairs and facial plastic surgery.
Urgent surgeries are necessary for health but not immediate emergencies; examples include cancerous tumor excision and gallbladder removal.
Emergency surgeries must be performed immediately to save life or body function; examples include appendectomy and traumatic amputation.

Classification: Purpose

Diagnostic surgeries confirm diagnoses through exploration and tissue removal; an example is a breast mass biopsy.
Ablative surgeries involve excising or removing diseased body parts.
Palliative surgeries alleviate symptoms without curing conditions.
Reconstructive/restorative surgeries aim to restore function and appearance to damaged tissues; examples include scar revision.
Procurement for transplant is necessary for transplanting organs.
Constructive surgeries involve the rebuilding of structures, such as the jaw.
Cosmetic surgeries enhance appearance and may also involve restorative care following trauma.

Types of Surgery Techniques

Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, utilizing CO2 to create space; movement post-surgery is crucial for recovery, particularly for patients with respiratory issues.
Robotic surgery allows surgeons to operate from a console, maintaining sterility.

Types of Anesthesia

General anesthesia results in complete loss of sensation and consciousness, involving three phases: induction, maintenance, and emergence.
Induction involves administration of anesthetics and intubation.
Maintenance includes patient positioning and surgical preparation, ensuring appropriate anesthesia levels.
Emergence is when anesthetics decrease, and the patient begins to awake.

Regional Anesthesia

Administered via spinal, epidural, or peripheral nerve blocks; consciousness remains but the patient is sedated, with risks such as upward spread causing respiratory issues.

Local Anesthesia

Blocks nerve conduction at specific sites, either injected or applied topically; results in loss of sensation localized to the area.

Conscious/Moderate Sedation

Provides sedation for procedures not requiring full anesthesia, allowing patients to remain responsive yet comfortable.

Description

Explore the different classifications of surgery based on seriousness, urgency, and purpose. Understand the distinctions between major, minor, elective, urgent, and emergency surgeries with examples. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of surgical care levels and their implications.