Surgery is a specific medical or dental specialization that employs surgical techniques or operative technique on an individual to repair or correct a diseased physical condition like an injury or a sickness, to aid enhance bodily function, appearance, or even to repair permanently damaged tissue. It is one of the most common surgeries performed nowadays. According to a survey conducted by The Wall Street Journal, in 2021, there was a record high number of surgeries performed at hospitals throughout the United States. This indicates that there is indeed a growing demand for surgeons to perform this procedure. Although the costs of surgery are high, more people have been encouraged to go under the knife because of its promise to offer greater satisfaction and improved quality of life.

The definition of surgery may differ from one person to another, but basically, it is the same procedure. However, the methods used may be slightly different from one hospital to another. Basically, the procedures that are used in the definition of surgery depend on the type of disease that the individual has and the severity of that disease. The procedures may also vary depending on whether it is an invasive procedure or not, and on the cost of the procedure itself.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Dental Association, the definition of surgery can be broken down into several different sections or steps. For example, the first step includes pre-operative and post-operative evaluation and pre-and post-operative care. Post-operative care is also included in the definition as well as the steps of surgical drainage, preparation of the incision site, wound management and protection of surrounding tissues, control of blood loss, use of medications to maintain the patient’s health and infection control, debridement, removal of foreign bodies, suturing and the use of local anesthetic. In addition, some procedures in the list of surgery include liposuction, skin grafting, cleft lip/palate repair, diaphragmatic adjustment, hand surgery, rhinoplasty, chin surgery, stomatology, head surgery, face-lift surgery, chin surgery, forehead surgery, neck surgery, and genital surgery.

When it comes to the medical field in America, surgery has been defined as “the application of physical force to a fixed structure by the use of a surgical instrument for the purpose of providing physiological or surgical benefit.” In addition, the United States Depart of Labor describes surgery as including “any procedure affecting the body that changes function; is altering the normal structure of a body part; or causing physical harm to the body.” Unfortunately, that definition of surgery has not been defined by any governing body, making it up to each state’s determination as to what constitutes surgery. As of now, only 23 states have laws requiring physicians to perform an examination and submit the appropriate forms to determine whether a patient would benefit from a specific surgery. Currently, these require that physicians perform the “diagnosis of necessity” before performing any surgery.

It is important for patients to understand the definition of surgery, both historically and in modern society. While talking points are always helpful, a definition of surgery can provide patients with additional information about the operation, recovery, and aftermath of the operation. The most important thing patients can do to ensure they are well educated is to research the operation as much as they can. Learning all the facts is the best way for patients to make informed decisions regarding their own health.

It is also important for patients to educate themselves on the process of having surgery. This will help them become more knowledgeable about the process of surgery, recovery, and follow up care. Talking points are great but if you don’t understand something, it’s better to ask for clarification than to assume you know nothing. The best way to ensure patient safety is to ask plenty of questions and seek answers when necessary. Educating yourself is the only way to ensure patient safety during surgery.