Surgery definition in medicine
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Surgery Definition in Medicine: Key Concepts
Medical Specialty and Purpose of Surgery
Surgery is a branch of medicine that uses manual and instrumental techniques to investigate, treat, or repair pathological conditions such as diseases, injuries, or deformities. The main goals of surgery are to improve bodily function, enhance appearance, or repair unwanted ruptured areas in the body Ismail2021Butt2020Okhunov2018+5 MORE. Surgery can be performed on both humans and animals Ismail2021Butt2020Demirsoy2020.
Surgical Procedures and Techniques
A surgical procedure, also called an operation, involves physical intervention on organs, tissues, or organ systems. This typically includes cutting tissues or closing wounds, but can also involve less invasive methods if performed in a surgical setting with sterile conditions, anesthesia, and specialized instruments Butt2020Tashimaia2021. Surgery is always considered an invasive procedure, even if the incisions are very small, as in minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery Butt2020Tashimaia2021.
The Surgical Team and Setting
Surgical procedures are carried out by a team that usually includes a surgeon, a surgeon’s assistant, an anesthetist, a circulating nurse, and a surgical technologist Ismail2021Butt2020Demirsoy2020. The term "surgery" can also refer to the place where these procedures are performed, such as an operating room or, in British English, the office of a physician, dentist, or veterinarian Ismail2021Butt2020.
Duration and Nature of Surgery
Surgery typically lasts from minutes to hours and is not usually an ongoing or periodic treatment. It is a focused intervention aimed at resolving a specific medical issue Ismail2021Butt2020.
Broader Perspectives on Surgery
Surgery is not only a science but also an art and a profession that requires technical skill, philosophical understanding, and compassion. It is recognized as a noble profession, serving both the community and the individual needs of patients Deshpande2025Krummel2006Dwivedi2024. The practice of surgery has evolved with advances in technology, but its core principles remain centered on patient care and the relief of suffering López-Cillero2018Dwivedi2024.
Conclusion
In summary, surgery in medicine is defined as a medical specialty involving operative manual and instrumental techniques to diagnose, treat, or repair diseases, injuries, or deformities. It is performed by a specialized team, is inherently invasive, and is guided by both scientific and humanistic principles Ismail2021Butt2020Okhunov2018+7 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic