Surgery: Definition, History & Modern Techniques

Surgery is a medical specialty using operative manual/instrumental techniques to investigate or treat pathological conditions (disease, injury) to improve function, appearance, or repair damage.

History

Traces to the Stone Age (sharp stones for arrowheads/abscesses). Advanced dramatically with anesthesia, antiseptic surgery, and antibiotics. Today, surgery treats diverse conditions from heart disease to cancer.

Types

• Elective: Not immediately necessary (cosmetic, joint replacement).
• Urgent/Emergency: Life/limb-saving (ruptured appendix, trauma).

Goal

Always to improve quality of life—relieve pain, restore function, improve appearance, or save lives.

If facing surgery, be well-informed. Your doctor will provide necessary information for decision-making.