Surgeries

Surgery refers to medical procedures that involve operative manipulation of body tissues, typically to diagnose, treat, palliate, or restore function. Surgeries can be planned or performed in response to acute illness, injury, or cancer, and they may target virtually any organ system. They are categorized by urgency (elective, urgent, emergency), by invasiveness (minor versus major), and by purpose (curative, diagnostic, palliative, or cosmetic).

Common approaches include open surgery, which uses one or more large incisions, and minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery that rely on small incisions and specialized instruments. Endoscopic procedures use natural body openings. Surgical specialties cover general surgery (for example, hernia repair or gallbladder removal), orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, plastics, and many others. Some operations are diagnostic (biopsy), while others aim to treat disease (removal of a tumor, repair of a damaged structure, or restoration of function).

Perioperative care encompasses preoperative assessment, anesthesia (general, regional, or local), sterile technique, and postoperative recovery. Anesthesia ensures patient comfort and safety during the operation. Postoperative care focuses on wound healing, pain control, infection prevention, and gradual return to normal activity. Many minor procedures are performed in outpatient settings, while major operations may require hospital admission and a longer recovery period.

Outcomes depend on the procedure, patient health, and health-care resources. Risks include infection, bleeding, injury to nearby structures, and anesthesia-related events. Informed consent, ethical considerations, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines shape practice. Advances in technology and technique continue to expand the safety and scope of surgical care.