Surgery


Surgery is a broad area of medical care that may incorporate a multitude of techniques. Surgery typically refers to medical treatments that involve the cutting or stitching of tissue, but a variety of modern technical advances have made the definition more comprehensive. Lasers may be used in the place of scalpels, and wounds may be closed without the use of stitches.

Reasons for Surgery

Surgery may be required to remove infected or cancerous tissues, open passageway obstructions, or redirect blood flow by reattaching veins and arteries in new locations. Surgery also includes skin grafts implanted to replace skin, and metal rods and plastic parts used to replace bone and joint housings. A biopsy is a type of surgery which aids in diagnosing a medical condition by removing a small piece of tissue for testing and examination.

Major and Minor Surgery

While some surgeries used to treat acute conditions might be required to be performed immediately, today's modern medicine offers a host of elective surgeries that might be indefinitely delayed. All surgeries have some risk of complications, even very minor ones that are frequently performed.

Ask Questions

Prior to having surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon, nurses, and other doctors all the question you want. Be sure to find out:
  • Why you need the surgery

  • Why the doctor recommends this particular operation

  • Other alternatives

  • The costs

  • The risks associated

  • How you should expect to feel after surgery

  • How long it will take to recover from surgery

  • What will happen if you don't have the operation.
Also, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Most importantly, be very sure you understand all the directions you are given going into surgery.

What to Expect

Surgery is performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Inpatient surgery means you'll be required to stay in the hospital for observation and care, while outpatient surgery will allow you to be released on the same day and may be performed in a clinic or doctor's office. Whichever type of surgery you're set to undergo, don't expect it to be like what you see on television. Typically, it will be a much calmer and boring environment.

Pre-Surgery Questions and Instructions

Nurses or other staff members will ask questions about your health history, allergies, and current symptoms. They will have you fill out some paperwork and will provide you with identification. They will also take your vital signs and possibly perform some other tests. They will also find out when you last ate or drank anything, as this can be a serious concern for some operations. You may have been asked not to eat or drink beforehand for a certain period of time.

Surgical Preparations

Before the surgery, you will meet with an anesthesiologist, the doctor who will help you fall asleep or numb a body area so you won't feel pain during the surgery. You'll then be prepped for surgery, and the medical staff will clean and shave the area to be operated on. You may have an IV drip line inserted for anesthesia, fluid, and medicine provision. All surgery takes place in a sterilize environment, and don't be surprised by monitoring equipment and students that may be present to observe the procedure.

Post-Surgery Procedures

After surgery, you'll be taken to a recovery room for observation. Once your anesthesia has worn off, you'll either be taken to a regular hospital room or released to go home.

By Doug Vanisky           


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