These days there are numerous surgical procedure choices accessible relying upon a person’s assessment. Except if it is an emergency procedure, the surgeon will typically examine their suggested surgical procedure plan with the patient ahead of time. In light of clinical trials, for example, blood tests, MRIs, CT checks, X-rays or some other research facility work accessible, the surgeon will choose which surgical procedure technique they accept will have the best result for their patient.
Below is more information on the different types of surgery:
• Optional or elective surgery – Elective surgeries are not usually necessary for the individual to stay in good health. They are non-emergency and planned in advance. A wide range of surgeries can be elective. Most cosmetic surgeries such as breast implants or nose jobs are elective. Women sometimes choose to have elective cesarean births. Other surgeries such as organ donation, scoliosis surgery, tonsillectomies and other minor surgeries can also be considered elective.
• Required surgery – Surgery which needs to be done in order to retain quality of life. As opposed to urgent or emergency surgery, required surgeries do not need to be performed immediately. Examples of required surgery are kidney stone or tumor removal.
• Urgent or emergency surgery – When a patient’s condition is life threatening, surgery is considered emergent. Emergency surgeries must be performed immediately, even when the patient is unconscious and cannot give consent. Examples include trauma and appendicitis. Life-threatening conditions can occur during labor and delivery which may require emergency surgery.
Inpatient vs Outpatient – In the past, most surgeries required at least one night’s stay in the hospital. Improved technology, less invasive surgery and advances in painkilling drugs have led to a large increase in outpatient surgeries. Additionally, with the rising costs of hospital stays, patients want to keep the costs to a minimum and leave the hospital as soon as it is advisable.
• Inpatient – For patients requiring a lengthy recovery or a serious procedure, inpatient surgery is usually necessary. The patients will stay overnight or longer and will have staff available around the clock to monitor their vitals and ensure proper treatment after surgery.
• Outpatient – Patients have the surgery in the morning and are released the same day. This can be both good and bad for the patient. It is cheaper and many patients are more comfortable at home but if there are any complications it will take longer to receive qualified treatment.
Surgeries normally fall into two comprehensive types, major surgery, and minor surgery.
There two main classes of surgery
• Major – Major surgeries are usually extensive and warrant an overnight or extended stay in a hospital. These surgeries include extensive work such as entering a body cavity, removing an organ or altering the body’s anatomy. Patients undergoing major surgeries usually require anesthesia or respiratory assistance and sometimes even both. Examples of major surgery include cardiac operations, any bowel cavity operations, reconstructive surgery, deep tissue procedures, any transplant procedures, as well as any surgeries in the abdomen, chest or cranium.
• Minor – Minor surgeries are generally superficial and do not require penetration of a body cavity. They do not involve assisted breathing or anesthesia and are usually performed by a single doctor. Examples of minor surgeries include biopsies, repairs of cuts or small wounds, and the removal of warts, benign skin lesions, hemorrhoids or abscesses.
What Is a Major Surgery?
Major surgery normally involves opening the body, allowing the surgeon access to the area where the work needs to be completed. It involves major trauma to the tissues, a high risk of infection, and an extended recovery period. Most major surgeries will leave a large scar.
What Are Some Major Surgeries?
There are many different surgeries that fall into this category. They include:
- Cesarean section
- Organ replacement
- Joint replacement
- Full hysterectomy
- Heart surgeries
- Bariatric surgeries, including the gastric bypass
While some of these procedures may be able to be performed in less invasive ways, they still involve major trauma to the body and can have long-lasting complications.
What Is a Minor Surgery?
Minor surgical procedures are those that are minimally invasive. In most cases, these are performed laparoscopically or arthroscopically. Small incisions are made that allow surgical tools and a small camera to be inserted into the body. This allows the doctor to perform the procedure without damaging extensive amounts of tissue. The risk of infection is greatly reduced and the patient’s recovery time is much shorter. There are also surgical procedures that are superficial, only affecting the outermost portions of the body.
What Are Some Minor Surgeries?
Minor surgeries include:
- Cataract surgery
- Dental restorations
- Circumcision
- Breast biopsy
- Arthroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Burn excision and debridement procedures
Every surgery involves some degree of risk, but performing minor surgeries that are less invasive can shorten a patient’s recovery time and effectively reduce their risk of infection.
Major Surgery vs Minor Surgery
| Major Surgery | Minor Surgery |
| More extensive resection is done | Small incisions are made |
| Cause damage to the tissues | No extensive damage to the tissues |
| A high risk of infection | The risk of infection is low |
| Extended recovery period | Recovery time is shorter |
Surgical procedures in both categories should be carefully considered. The risk involved is often outweighed by the benefits the procedure offers. Improving the quality of life and restoring health are the two main priorities when making the decision to go ahead with the procedure.