Surgery is a scary word for many people, even though over one million Americans have successful operations every week. Even if you’re a healthy and careful person, there’s a good chance you’ll need surgery one day. Surgeons are very understanding and will explain any procedure that you have to undergo.
What are some of the most common types of surgery? We’ll mention the 5 popular procedures as well as the latest advancements in surgery, such as robotic surgery.
1. General Surgery
General surgery is any procedure that focuses on a variety of different ailments, though most general surgeries focus on the abdominal area. The areas of surgery you may need include:
- Stomach
- Esophagus
- Large and small intestines
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Appendix
- Gallbladder
- Thyroid
- Bile ducts
These days, there are a variety of innovative and minimally invasive surgery techniques that surgeons use during these procedures. This can limit post-op pain and lengthy hospital stays. More doctors are also using incisions that result in less scarring and faster recovery times.
2. Colonoscopy and Colon Surgery
You have probably heard your family members or friends saying they need a colonoscopy. But did you know a colonoscopy is a procedure performed by a surgeon?
Don’t be alarmed, a colonoscopy is only a screening procedure. The surgeon examines the lining of your colon by inserting a thin tube into your rectum. This is either performed in a hospital or an endoscopic procedure room and is done on an outpatient basis.
Why is a colonoscopy important? Regular colonoscopies can detect issues such as:
- Colon cancer
- Anal cancer
- Polyps
3. Gynecological Surgery
Gynecological surgeons treat ailments in the female genital and reproductive areas. There are many types of gynecological surgeons, such as urogynecologists (female pelvic medicine) and gynecologic oncologists (cancers of the female reproductive system).
As stated previously, many of these surgeries involve treating cancers and other ailments with the reproductive system. Female sterilization methods, such as tubal ligations, are also in the gynecological surgery branch.
4. Outpatient Surgery
Outpatient surgery is nicknamed “same-day surgery” for a reason. These procedures are quick and treat minor conditions. Since they don’t require overnight hospital stays, patients often leave the same day as the procedure. Joint replacements, bariatric surgery, and most elective surgeries are in the outpatient category.
5. Robotic Surgery
Many surgeons are adapting what’s called the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. This system is beneficial because it takes surgical procedures beyond what humans can do. The da Vinci Robotic Surgical System can perform these minimally invasive procedures:
- Hysterectomy
- Cholecystectomy
- Hernia repair
- Myomectomy
- GERD and esophageal operations
- Adrenal gland removal
- And more
The benefits of the Robotic Surgery System include:
- Lower risk of infection
- Less pain
- Shorter recovery time
- Less scarring
- Decreased blood loss
If you want to learn more about the da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, please visit surgcomd.com.
Be Prepared for These Different Types of Surgery
There are many types of surgery and you may need to get an operation done one day. Be sure to know these different procedures and prepare yourself. Continue reading our blog for more health advice and more!
