[Surgery] Introduction

Surgery is an ancient academic and clinical field, which uses physical force to alter the anatomical structure and contents of the human body.

Surgeons are able to restore normal anatomy and normal physiological function in a patient. They can also alter the anatomy and reduce physiological function, for symptomatic relief. Surgical procedures can accomplish outcomes which no medication could accomplish.

There is significant overlap with medicine, and the two fields have a symbiotic relationship.
There are also many similarities between surgery and dentistry.

 

Etymology

Ancient Greek χείρ (kheír) = hand
Ancient Greek ἔργον (érgon) = work 
Ancient Greek χειρουργία (kheirourgía) = surgery

 

Surgical specialties

• General surgery
• Breast surgery  
• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Dentistry   
• Upper Gastrointestinal surgery  
• Lower Gastrointestinal surgery 
• Maxillofacial surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic surgery 
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Plastic surgery  
• Urology
• Vascular surgery

Some disciplines are mixed surgical and medical:

• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• Ophthalmology

There is always anaesthesiology involvement.

• Anaesthesiology
• Intensive care

 

General Post-Operative Complications

 

Surgical emergencies