Surgical procedures of all kinds take place around the world every day. These could take the form of life-saving emergency operations, cosmetic procedures, pre-planned surgeries, and many more. But, as a surgeon or theatre nurse, what procedures are you most likely to encounter day-to-day? We’ve listed some of the most common surgical procedures.
Coronary artery bypass
Often referred to as a ‘heart bypass’, this type of surgery is usually performed on patients with coronary artery disease. Plaques can build up in the arteries that supply oxygen to the heart and this narrowing can cause a blockage that leads to a heart attack. To treat coronary artery disease, the surgeon will restore the normal blood flow to the obstructed coronary artery by creating a bypass on it. This is accomplished by grafting a section of vein above and below the blockage to allow for blood to flow around the obstruction.
Caesarean section
Also known as a c-section, a caesarean is the surgical delivery of a baby and is performed when doctors establish that it’s a safer option than a traditional delivery. The procedure involves an incision, just below the bikini line, through the patient’s abdomen and uterus. Although extremely common, a c-section is a major operation and carries risks; as do many regular procedures. It’s therefore advisable that surgeons protect themselves with adequate insurance cover just in case anything should go wrong. Incision Indemnity offers protection for surgeons and surgical practices and has been designed by professionals in the medical field.
Tonsillectomy
Located at the back of the throat, tonsils are there to help your body fight infections. Tonsillitis is a common infection of the tonsils and most of us will have experienced it at some point in our lives. Recurrent infections of tonsillitis, however, can cause a lot of misery and so sometimes the best preventative measure against reinfection is a tonsillectomy – or the surgical removal of the tonsils.
Appendectomy
The appendix is considered to be a vestigial organ; a leftover from evolution that doesn’t serve much purpose within the modern human body. Unfortunately, it can become inflamed and rupture, which can be fatal if the patient doesn’t seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an inflamed or ruptured appendix include a dull ache in the middle-centre between the ribcage that eventually leads to excruciating pain in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. The patient might vomit, faint, and will generally feel unwell. The treatment for acute appendicitis is the surgical removal of the appendix. This is known as an appendectomy and should be treated as an emergency. Nowadays, most appendectomies are carried out via keyhole surgery and, unless there are complications, the patient can usually return to normal activities within days.
Cataract surgery
Most people will develop cataracts later in life, impacting on their vision. Put simply, a cataract is a cloudy area in your eye lens that impairs your sight. Cataracts tend to develop over years and can affect one or both eyes. You might experience blurred or double vision, faded colours, halos, reduced night-time vision, and trouble focusing on bright lights. Luckily, a patient with cataracts can have their vision restored in a very simple procedure. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and is replaced by an artificial clear lens.
Hip replacement
Many of us will know of someone who’s had a hip replacement and although much more common in people over 60, adults of any age may be considered for this kind of surgery. A hip replacement is usually required when the hip joint is damaged, either through age-related deterioration or through injury. During this procedure, the damaged hip is either partially or fully replaced by a prosthetic implant.
