Description: The term ‘surgical’ refers to everything related to surgery, a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities through manual and instrumental procedures. Surgery can be both a curative and palliative treatment and encompasses a wide range of techniques and specialties, from general surgery to neurosurgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and more. Surgical procedures can be invasive, involving incisions in the body, or minimally invasive, using techniques such as laparoscopy. Precision and skill are fundamental in the surgical field, as surgeons must make critical decisions in real-time and handle specialized tools to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Additionally, the surgical environment requires a high level of sterility and control to prevent infections and postoperative complications. Today, surgery is complemented by advanced technologies, such as robotic surgery and imaging, which enhance the precision and outcomes of procedures.
History: Surgery has its roots in antiquity, with records dating back over 3000 years in civilizations such as Egyptian and Indian. One of the oldest texts on surgery is the ‘Sushruta Samhita’, written by the Indian physician Sushruta in the 6th century BC, which describes various surgical techniques and procedures. Throughout history, surgery has evolved significantly, especially during the Renaissance, when advances in anatomy and surgical technique were made. In the 19th century, the introduction of anesthesia and antisepsis revolutionized surgical practice, allowing for more complex and safer procedures. In the 20th century, surgery benefited from modern technology, such as radiology and minimally invasive surgery, leading to improved patient outcomes and recovery.
Uses: Surgery is used in a variety of medical contexts, including the treatment of diseases such as cancer, appendicitis, bone fractures, and heart diseases. It is also applied in reconstructive procedures, such as plastic surgery, and in emergency interventions, such as laparotomy. Additionally, surgery can be preventive, as in the case of prophylactic mastectomy in patients at high risk for breast cancer. Surgical techniques are tailored to the specific needs of each patient and can range from outpatient procedures to complex surgeries requiring hospitalization.
Examples: Examples of surgical procedures include appendectomy, which is the removal of the appendix, cholecystectomy, which is the removal of the gallbladder, and gastric bypass surgery, used to treat obesity. In the field of reconstructive surgery, skin grafts for treating severe burns and orthopedic surgery for repairing torn ligaments can be mentioned. In robotic surgery, an example is robotic prostatectomy, which allows surgeons to remove the prostate with greater precision and less invasiveness.
