Surgery is a medical specialty that uses hands-on techniques and instruments to diagnose or treat disease and injury, change bodily functions, reconstruct body parts, alter appearance, or remove unwanted tissue. This lesson introduces the purpose of surgery, the people involved, and the major ways procedures are classified.
A surgical procedure, also called an operation, uses manual or instrumental techniques to address a medical or functional goal. Examples include removing a tumor, repairing an injury, bypassing a blocked vessel, changing digestive anatomy in bariatric surgery, and improving appearance through cosmetic surgery. The verb operate means to perform surgery; surgical describes something related to surgery, such as surgical instruments or a surgical facility.
All flashcards
What is surgery?
A medical specialty that uses manual and instrumental techniques to diagnose or treat conditions, change bodily functions, reconstruct or alter appearance, or remove unwanted tissue.
What distinguishes elective, urgent, and emergency surgery?
Elective surgery can be scheduled for a non-life-threatening condition. Urgent surgery should happen early but can usually wait briefly. Emergency surgery must happen without delay to prevent death or serious harm.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Surgery that limits tissue disruption by using small incisions, natural openings, or percutaneous access with specialized instruments.
What does a surgical assistant do?
A surgical assistant provides hands-on assistance to the surgeon during the procedure.
What is the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery?
Plastic surgery aims to improve function or appearance. Cosmetic surgery specifically aims to improve the appearance of an otherwise normal body part.
Quiz questions
What is the perfusionist's role during a procedure using cardiopulmonary bypass?Answer: Managing bypass equipment and circulation support.
What does therapeutic surgery aim to do?Answer: Treat a diagnosed condition.
What makes a procedure a hybrid operation?Answer: It combines open and minimally invasive methods.
Which three procedures are used as Bellwether measures of a hospital's emergency surgical capacity?Answer: Laparotomy, caesarean section, and open fracture care.
What is the purpose of a National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP)?Answer: To guide a country in assessing and strengthening surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia services.
Based on the Wikipedia article Surgery, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.