Surgery

The medical specialty that involves operative procedures performed on a patient to investigate, treat, or manage a medical condition or injury.

 

Surgeon:

A qualified medical professional trained to perform surgical procedures, specializing in a specific area of medicine such as general surgery, orthopedic surgery, or neurosurgery.

 

Informed Consent:

The voluntary agreement given by a patient, after being fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives, to undergo a specific surgical procedure.

 

Preoperative Assessment:

The comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s health status before surgery, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, to assess fitness for the procedure.

 

Anesthesia:

The administration of medications to induce a temporary loss of sensation or consciousness, allowing for painless surgery and ensuring patient comfort.

 

Operating Room (OR):

A specially equipped and sterile environment where surgical procedures are performed, including all necessary instruments, equipment, and a surgical team.

 

Scalpel:

A small, sharp knife used by surgeons for making incisions during surgery, often the primary cutting instrument in various procedures.

 

Surgical Scrubs:

Sterile and hygienic clothing worn by surgical personnel, including surgeons and nurses, to maintain a clean environment in the operating room.

 

Surgical Site Infection (SSI):

An infection that occurs after surgery at the incision site or in the surrounding tissues, requiring prompt treatment and preventive measures.

 

Minimally Invasive Surgery:

Surgical techniques that utilize small incisions and specialized instruments, often guided by video imaging, to perform procedures with less tissue damage and faster recovery.

 

Laparoscopy:

A type of minimally invasive surgery that involves using a thin, lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope) to visualize and perform surgery within the abdominal or pelvic cavities.