Surgery definition in medical literature
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Surgery Definition in Medical Literature
Core Definition and Scope of Surgery
Surgery is widely defined in medical literature as a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate or treat pathological conditions such as diseases or injuries, to improve bodily function or appearance, or to repair unwanted ruptured areas 12345. The act of performing surgery is often called a surgical procedure, operation, or simply "surgery" 234. The term also extends to the place where surgery is performed, and in some regions, it can refer to a physician's or dentist's office 23.
Surgical Techniques and Procedures
Surgical procedures typically involve making incisions or using other invasive techniques to access internal organs, tissues, or structures for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes 12. Traditionally, surgery required large incisions, but advances in technology now allow for minimally invasive procedures using small cuts, specialized instruments, and cameras 110. Surgery is generally not an ongoing or periodic treatment but is performed as a single event, usually lasting from minutes to hours 23.
Surgical Team and Roles
A surgical procedure is carried out by a team that includes the surgeon, surgeon’s assistant, anesthetist, circulating nurse, and surgical technologist 235. The person who performs surgery is called a surgeon, and the team works together to ensure the procedure is safe and effective 235.
Invasiveness and Classification
Surgery is considered an invasive technique, with the fundamental principle being physical intervention on organs, organ systems, or tissues for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons . A procedure is generally classified as surgical if it involves cutting tissues or closing wounds, but some procedures like angioplasty or endoscopy may also be considered surgery if they use typical surgical settings and techniques . All forms of surgery are invasive, though "noninvasive surgery" may refer to procedures that do not penetrate the structure being treated, such as laser ablation or radiosurgery .
Terminology and Historical Context
The word "surgery" originates from the Greek "cheirourgikē," meaning "hand work," and has evolved over time to represent a highly specialized medical vocabulary 48. The terminology of surgery includes a wide range of terms for procedures, instruments, and stages, with frequent use of words like "to open," "to close," "to remove," and "to connect" . The historical development of surgery has been marked by significant advancements, from ancient manual techniques to modern minimally invasive and robotic procedures 710.
Conclusion
In summary, surgery in medical literature is defined as a medical specialty involving operative manual and instrumental techniques to diagnose, treat, or repair pathological conditions. It is inherently invasive, performed by a specialized team, and has evolved significantly with technological advancements. The terminology and practice of surgery continue to develop, reflecting both its scientific and practical foundations 12345678+1 MORE.
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