Types of Surgery and Surgical Specialties

Study Notes

Elective surgery: Planned surgery that is not urgent, often for cosmetic or non-essential purposes.
Emergency surgery: Urgent surgery to treat a life-threatening condition or injury.
Optional surgery: Surgery that is not essential but can improve quality of life, such as joint replacements.
Reconstructive surgery: Surgery to restore form and function to damaged or deformed tissues, such as after a traumatic injury.

General surgery: Deals with a wide range of surgical procedures, including abdominal, breast, and skin surgeries.
Cardiothoracic surgery: Deals with surgical procedures related to the heart and lungs.
Neurosurgery: Deals with surgical procedures related to the brain and nervous system.
Orthopedic surgery: Deals with surgical procedures related to the musculoskeletal system.
Ophthalmology: Deals with surgical procedures related to the eye and vision.

Open surgery: Traditional surgery where a large incision is made to access the affected area.
Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery where small incisions are made and a camera is used to guide the procedure.
Endoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery where a flexible tube with a camera is used to access the affected area.
Robot-assisted surgery: Minimally invasive surgery where a robotic system is used to assist the surgeon.

Infection: Bacterial or viral infection at the surgical site.
Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
Adhesions: Internal scarring that can cause complications or future surgeries.
Anesthesia risks: Risks associated with the use of anesthesia, such as respiratory or cardiac problems.
Organ damage: Damage to surrounding organs or tissues during surgery.

Elective surgery is planned and not urgent, often for cosmetic or non-essential purposes, such as cosmetic surgeries.
Emergency surgery is urgent and necessary to treat a life-threatening condition or injury, such as traumatic injuries.
Optional surgery is not essential but can improve quality of life, examples include joint replacements.
Reconstructive surgery restores form and function to damaged or deformed tissues, often after a traumatic injury or birth defects.

General surgery deals with a wide range of surgical procedures, including abdominal, breast, and skin surgeries.
Cardiothoracic surgery deals with surgical procedures related to the heart and lungs, such as heart transplants.
Neurosurgery deals with surgical procedures related to the brain and nervous system, including brain tumors and aneurysms.
Orthopedic surgery deals with surgical procedures related to the musculoskeletal system, such as joint replacements and osteoporosis treatment.
Ophthalmology deals with surgical procedures related to the eye and vision, including cataract removal and LASIK.

Open surgery involves making a large incision to access the affected area, allowing for direct visualization and instrumentation.
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, using small incisions and a camera to guide the procedure, often used for gallbladder removal.
Endoscopic surgery uses a flexible tube with a camera to access the affected area, often used for colonoscopies and bronchoscopies.
Robot-assisted surgery uses a robotic system to assist the surgeon, enhancing precision and dexterity, often used for prostatectomies.

Infection occurs when bacteria or viruses contaminate the surgical site, potentially leading to sepsis.
Bleeding can occur during or after surgery, potentially leading to hemodynamic instability.
Adhesions are internal scars that can cause complications or future surgeries, such as bowel obstruction.
Anesthesia risks include respiratory or cardiac problems, such as respiratory depression or cardiac arrest.
Organ damage can occur during surgery, potentially causing permanent damage or requiring additional surgeries.