Surgical Procedures and Types

• Surgery is a medical specialty using manual and instrumental techniques to investigate or treat pathological conditions like disease or injury
• Surgery aims to improve bodily function and appearance, and repair ruptured areas

Types of Surgery

• Elective surgery improves quality of life
• Emergency surgery stops internal bleeding or repairs trauma damage
• Exploratory surgery aids or confirms diagnoses
• Therapeutic surgery treats previously diagnosed conditions
• Cosmetic surgery reshapes normal body structures to improve appearance and self-esteem

General Surgery

• General surgery focuses on abdominal organs such as intestines, liver, gallbladder, and stomach
• Surgeons also handle skin, breast, soft tissues, trauma, hernias, and endoscopic procedures
• Knowledge includes anatomy, physiology, metabolism, immunology, nutrition, pathology, wound healing, intensive care, and surgical techniques

Surgical Procedures

• Open surgery utilizes large incisions for direct visualization and access
• Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and instruments like laparoscopes or endoscopes
• Robotic surgery uses a robotic system controlled by the surgeon for minimally invasive procedures

Pre-operative Care

• Assessment includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests
• Patients may need to stop medications, like blood thinners
• Instructions include fasting, hygiene, and other preparations

Anesthesia

• Anesthesia involves medication to relieve pain and/or cause loss of consciousness
• General anesthesia induces controlled unconsciousness
• Regional anesthesia numbs a large area of the body
• Local anesthesia numbs a small area of the body
• Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) uses sedatives and pain relievers while the patient remains conscious

Surgical Techniques

• Incisions use scalpels or other specialized instruments
• Tissues may be cut, sutured, stapled, or cauterized
• Anastomosis connects previously separate structures
• Grafts replace or repair damaged tissues
• Implants, like artificial joints or pacemakers, restore function

Surgical Instruments

• Scalpels create incisions
• Forceps grasp and manipulate tissues
• Retractors hold back tissues for better visualization
• Clamps temporarily block blood flow
• Sutures close wounds and connect tissues

Post-operative Care

• Pain management involves medication and other therapies
• Wound care includes keeping the incision clean and dry
• Monitoring for complications is essential, looking for bleeding, infection, or blood clots
• Physical therapy helps patients regain strength and mobility
• Dietary adjustments promote healing
• Follow-up appointments monitor progress and address concerns

Risks and Complications

• Infection is a risk
• Bleeding can occur
• Blood clots can form in the legs or lungs
• Anesthesia-related complications are possible
• Organ damage can occur
• Scarring is natural but excessive scarring can occur
• Nerve damage can result in pain, numbness, or weakness
• Adverse reactions to medications can occur

Recovery

• Recovery time varies
• Rest and nutrition are important
• Patients should follow instructions regarding activity restrictions and wound care
• Rehabilitation may be necessary
• Emotional support can be helpful

Advances in Surgery

• Minimally invasive surgery reduces pain and hospital stays, and speeds recovery
• Robotic surgery provides enhanced precision and control
• Image-guided surgery uses real-time imaging for improved accuracy
• 3D printing creates custom implants and surgical models
• Gene therapy and regenerative medicine show promise